MUSCAT: In a part of the world where water is incredibly scarce, Oman is making significant progress in meeting its water needs through advanced desalination technologies. Erwan Rouxel, CEO of Veolia Oman, recently discussed these efforts and the broader impact of desalination in the Middle East on the "Let's Turn the Tide" podcast hosted by Nadine Zidani.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue affecting half of the world's population, with the Middle East being home to over ten of the 25 most water-stressed countries globally. The rapid economic and urban growth in the region has exacerbated the gap between water supply and demand. Coupled with the effects of climate change, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more critical. Desalination, the process of converting seawater into potable water, has emerged as a vital technology to meet the growing water demands in the Middle East. According to Rouxel, nearly 90% of the region's drinking water is sourced from desalination, underscoring its importance.
The desalination process involves four main steps: intake pumping, pre-filtration, reverse osmosis, and remineralisation. In the reverse osmosis stage, seawater is pushed through membranes at high pressure, separating salt from water. The pure water is then remineralised and disinfected, making it suitable for consumption. Veolia is a key player in Oman’s water desalination sector, operating three major plants in Barka, Sur, and Salalah. These facilities collectively produce enough drinking water to meet the needs of around one-third of Oman's population daily. This significant contribution highlights Veolia's critical role in the country’s water infrastructure.
Rouxel emphasised the responsibility that comes with this role, stating, "It's a huge responsibility for Veolia. We are in a strategic sector, and it's for us a very important footprint that we are trying to make as efficient as possible." Veolia continues to expand its footprint in the region with innovative projects. Recently, the company secured a contract to build the second-largest desalination plant in the world in the UAE, which will also be the largest powered by solar energy. This project exemplifies Veolia’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into desalination processes, making them more sustainable.
In Oman, Veolia has already set a precedent with the Sur desalination plant, the first of its kind to be powered entirely by solar panels during daylight hours. This landmark project, inaugurated last year, underscores the company’s dedication to green desalination. While desalination offers numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. Critics often point to the high energy consumption required by desalination plants and the potential environmental impact of brine discharge on marine life. However, Rouxel highlighted the progress made in reducing energy consumption, noting that average energy usage has decreased by almost 30% in the past decade.
Additionally, Veolia takes the environmental impact of brine discharge seriously. In Oman, the company has engaged consultancy firms to monitor and mitigate any adverse effects on marine life, ensuring that their operations remain environmentally responsible. Veolia’s efforts in Oman and the broader Middle East illustrate the critical role of desalination in addressing water scarcity in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions. By continuously innovating and integrating sustainable practices, Veolia is not only meeting the growing water demands but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
As Rouxel aptly put it, "Veolia has a big responsibility in this country. We are in a strategic sector, and it's for us a very important footprint that we are trying to make as efficient as possible." With such commitment, Veolia is indeed turning the tide in the battle against water scarcity in Oman and beyond.
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