The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), Saudi Arabia has selected a consortium of ACWA Power, Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co (HAACO), and AlSharif Contracting and Commercial Development as the preferred bidder for the Jubail 4&6 Independent Water Plant (IWP) project. The plant, located in the Eastern Province, will produce 600,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day (m³/day).
SWPC announced that the consortium submitted a levelized water cost of SAR 1.8206 per cubic meter ($0.48/m³). Commercial operations for the project are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028. The consortium will sign a 25-year water purchase agreement with SWPC, ensuring long-term water supply.
The project will include the construction of an electrical substation, which will connect to the main power grid via a transmission line. Additionally, the plant will link to the Jubail Water Transmission Complex for water distribution. The project aims to meet Saudi Arabia’s growing water demand and improve infrastructure for water security.
In addition to water infrastructure, Saudi Arabia has been expanding its renewable energy projects. Recently, the Kingdom announced the construction of the Sudair Solar Plant, one of the largest solar power projects in the world. The project, led by ACWA Power and partners, will have a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW). The plant will also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy use in the region.
Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its energy sources. More desalination plants, including Jubail 4&6, may explore opportunities to incorporate solar or wind power to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts.
