Gulf Construction Online - Engie, Nesma break ground on desal plant

Contractors

Officials of Engie, Nesma and Mowah at the ground breaking ceremony.

Engie, Nesma break ground on desal plant

01 February 2022

Global energy company Engie, in collaboration with Saudi-based contracting firm Nesma and private desalination company Mowah, has broken ground on the Al Rayyis seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant.

The plant will use clean energy and be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) structure together with Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC). It is expected to be commercially operational from the last quarter of 2023.

Awarded by SWPC as a build, own, operate contract, the consortium will have a concession period of 25 years. The plant will have a capacity of 450,000 cu m/day and storage facilities for two operational days. Electricity supply to the plant will be supplemented with the addition of an on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) system following construction, helping reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The Al Rayyis plant is expected to contribute $400 million to the kingdom’s GDP. With Saudization a high priority for the consortium, the project will aim to fill 40 per cent of the 500 jobs created during construction by Saudi Arabian nationals, rising to 50 per cent during the first five years of operation and 70 per cent for the remaining operational period.

Khaled Z Al Qureshi, CEO, SWPC, says the Al Rayyis desalination plant will significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Turki Al Shehri, CEO, Engie KSA, says: “Today is a major milestone for Engie in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as we break ground on the Al Rayes desalination plant. The project provides an excellent model for how the private sector and government can work together to advance net-zero objectives, helping us transition to an emissions-free, circular economy. Moreover, in drawing overseas investment into the country and creating jobs for the local community, this project will successfully help meet the objectives of Vision 2030.”

Eric Maka, COO, Engie KSA, adds: “A integrated seawater, reserve osmosis desalination plant powered with the use of clean energy, the Al Rayyis desalination plant will provide 450,000 cu m of freshwater per day. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has proceeded successfully, and we are delighted to break ground on it today. When complete, the project will critically help meet growing water demand while supporting socio-economic development and sustainability goals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”