Desalinised Solutions: Water and Energy in the Arab States

Ministers, local authorities and technicians from Arab states find coherence on the need for desalinisation to assure drinking water. How to power this solution is a key question.

The Arab world represents 5% of the world’s population, but possesses only 1% of the planet’s fresh water. “Currently 18 of the 22 Arab Sates suffer from water scarcity and by 2050 this will turn into water distress,” predicted Dr. Abid Thyab Al Ajeeli from the Arab Parliament on Wednesday 14 March 2012 at the 6^th World Water Forum. During the Arab trialogue session entitled “Water and Energy,” Dr. Al Ajeeli stressed the need for technical innovation in desalinisation and renewable energy.

To help solve the water and sanitation issues in the Palestinian municipality of Al Ubeidyeh, Maher Abu Sarhan called for increased water allocation equity with Israel. This local Palestinian authority also identified the need for investments for wastewater treatment plants that incorporate solar and biogas energies as well as wastewater reuse.

Saltwater Sun Solutions

Desalinisation and energy dominated the discussion. Both the panel and participants rallied around the need for increased investment in innovation for desalinisation plants and renewable energies for the sunny region. Oman plans on investing in 200 MW of renewable energy projects over the next 4 years. “In Oman, 80% of drinking water comes from the sea,” says Zaher bin Khalid Al-Sulaimani, Director General of Projects for the Public Authority for Electricity and Water-Oman.

Desalinisation in the Arab world, particularly in the Gulf States, is already widespread. Currently, large fossil fuel reserves provide the energy to drive these processes. Solar energy reserves, however, are limitless and free of charge. Dr. Al Ajeeli demonstrated how solar radiation models can be used to ensure appropriate localisation of solar installations. He also presented the solar humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination process as a sustainable solution. This process is similar to the natural water cycle and is driven strictly by solar energy.

“Water is paramount if we want sustainability and a sustainable future,” proclaimed H.E. Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Shehhi (Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources – Oman). The use of sun and saltwater will certainly play a pivotal role for Arab states in this future.