It is now staged to escalate their practices of using an innovative technology that purifies drinking water using an electrical current. This follows an agreement that seeks to increase the use of this innovative method over the next four years.
Capacitive Deionization: One More To The List
This technology, capacitive deionization, is an innovation in water treatment technology. Instead of the traditional methods, it uses electricity to remove contaminants from water instead of using membrane filters or chemical treatment. This procedure makes it possible for impurities to be withdrawn to make water safe for human consumption.
The Agreement: Saudi Arabia and Stockholm Water Technology
This technology is being driven by Stockholm Water Technology in Sweden and has reached an agreement with DRC-ChemTec, a Saudi company, to upscale it through the borders of Saudi Arabia.” The four-year agreement shows commitment towards the region to enlarge the use of capacitive deionization.
Beyond Drinking Water: Wastewater Treatment
Proposing wastewater treatment within range of Stockholm Water Technologies capabilities was offered to the Saudi authorities. Royals of Saudi Arabia were informed on how the method proposed allows removing pesticide, pharmaceutical, and chemical remnants from previously treated wastewater (micropollutant removal). This step will significantly boost the sustainability concerns for water resources in Saudi Arabia by enabling reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural purposes.
Current Desalination Methods in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s main sources of clean, drinkable water are still dependent on two major desalination methods:
- Thermal desalination: This process boils seawater from fossil fuels and subsequently collects condensation fresh water.
- Reverse osmosis: Cleansing water filter membranes are utilized for exuding contaminants from seawater.
Regardless of their effectiveness, both methods remain flawed. Water boiling through thermal desalination consumes an immense amount of energy and is not environmentally friendly. Reverse osmosis is a more sustainable approach but still requires specific membrane filters.
The Potential of Capacitive Deionization
Capacitive deionization promises to be a more effective method of overcoming various challenges associated with traditional desalination. This technique focuses on minimizing waste created in desalination processes as well as conserving energy in water purification, contributing to better water resource management.
Industry Implementation
Karthik Laxman, CEO of Stockholm Water Technology, pointed out this milestone and noted, “Saudi Arabia’s water treatment market is definitely a leader in the world for sustainable practices given the unprecedented need for clean, safe water in industries and increasing focus on recycling and reuse of water.”
As strategic business development head at DRC-ChemTec, Husam Aljarba underlined the need in the market. He noted, “DRC is expecting rapid development in the residential and industrial markets where the versatility of SWT water treatment systems will be of tremendous value to customers.”
Scope of Work
According to the agreement, Stockholm Water Technology will supply 1,750 systems of their brand units. The first phase will be focused on supplying drinking water, but later the project will also include industrial and municipal wastewater treatment.
DRC-ChemTec will provide key implementation services by installing and servicing the technology. The company will also use the available infrastructure to design some of the relevant components, which will aid the development of domestic content in Saudi Arabia.
Water Requirements of Saudi Arabia
Water in the Kingdom is primarily procured through desalination plants, which are considered a vital technology for Saudi Arabia’s water demand. It constitutes around 75 percent of the kingdom’s water supply, which consists of over 13.2 million cubic meters of desalinated water produced per day. The use of capacitive deionization technology marks an important advance in a sustainable and efficient strategy for water management in Saudi Arabia.
