Water decarbonisation: A ‘smart’ approach to Saudi’s net-zero goals

Climate change is one of today’s most pressing global challenges, prompting nations to adopt ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this effort with initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2060.

For Saudi cities, this ambitious goal necessitates a comprehensive transformation across energy, transportation, waste management and water systems.

Achieving net zero emissions requires an overhaul of urban infrastructure, prioritising renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. Decarbonising water management is critical, as processes like desalination and distribution are energy-intensive.

By leveraging advanced technologies and innovative strategies, Saudi cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and enhance resource efficiency.

However, the journey towards net zero is complex and requires overcoming technological and financial challenges. Saudi cities must adopt a holistic approach, fostering innovation and collaboration to navigate these hurdles.

Navigating the terrain

The country faces the challenge of upgrading outdated infrastructure to align with modern sustainability standards. Many buildings and facilities in the city were developed without sufficient consideration for energy efficiency or environmental impact. The Saudi government’s initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative, aim to modernise infrastructure and promote sustainable development practices across the country, but the scale of transformation needed presents a substantial challenge.

Water scarcity is yet another challenge that persists for Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, and climate change, making it vulnerable to water shortage. However, to conserve the existing water resources and ensure the judicious use of these resources, the country has implemented water recycling and reuse strategies in line with the National Water Strategy 2030.

Although these initiatives are meant to conserve water, they result in a lot of energy dissipation, resulting in carbon emissions further accelerating climate change; undermining the efforts to reach net zero.

Decarbonisation of water

To reduce the carbon emission produced in the water conservation process, decarbonisation emerges as a powerful solution in the kingdom’s pursuit of net zero emissions. Decarbonising water offers a dual advantage: it reduces carbon emissions associated with water treatment and distribution while also enhancing resource efficiency – which is pivotal to support Saudi’s path to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

Recognising these benefits, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) in Saudi Arabia is gradually replacing old, energy-intensive water treatment methods with newer, more energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, these plants are also planning to use electricity from highly efficient power sources and have plans to capture and reuse energy, further reducing their environmental impact. Another example of how decarbonisation is being implemented is through the use of smart water management systems. These systems utilise advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor water usage and detect leaks in real time, significantly reducing water waste and the energy required to pump and treat excess water.

Integrating these smart technologies, can optimise water distribution, conserve resources, and further reduce carbon emissions, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future.

Investment in infrastructure modernisation

The country is significantly investing in modernising its infrastructure to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This includes integrating renewable energy sources such as solar into water treatment and distribution systems.

By leveraging renewable energy, the kingdom aims to power its infrastructure more sustainably, exemplified by the Al Khafji desalination plants designed to run on solar electricity, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) is fortifying its infrastructure with resilient pipelines and storage facilities, ensuring a reliable water supply.

Promotion of sustainable water technologies

Apart from investing in modern infrastructure, sustainable water technologies should also be promoted. Water regulatory bodies like the Saudi Water Authority are vital partners in the region’s carbon neutrality goal. For example, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have also collaborated with the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) to develop an automated system for detecting leaks in pipes.

In addition, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation is implementing pilot projects for pipe leak detection systems. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency in water distribution networks and minimise environmental impact.

Governments and relevant authorities should prioritise adopting such sustainable water technologies to optimise the use of limited water resources effectively.

Collaboration with municipalities for policy and planning

Reducing carbon emissions during these energy-intensive processes requires a collective commitment, central to which municipalities play a key role in setting water management regulations and standards. By integrating sustainability goals into urban development plans, municipalities can lead efforts to mitigate water scarcity challenges and ensure the efficient use of limited water resources for future generations.

Water decarbonisation represents a pivotal strategy in sustainable development, particularly in arid regions. Through collaborative public-private partnerships and technological innovations, we are creating more sustainable water management systems that minimise environmental impact and ensure reliable access to water resources.

Prioritising decarbonisation sets a strong example for global sustainability efforts, fostering a future where communities can thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings.

The writer is the area sales director – Water Utilities, MENA and country director for Saudi Arabia at Grundfos.