KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is expanding its partnership with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). The collaboration aims to advance water desalination technologies in line with national priorities. The partnership will also focus on training the next generation of experts in the Kingdom. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens Saudi Arabia's focus on sustainable water solutions through research and development.
KAUST and ACWA Power have launched a Center of Excellence for Desalination and Solar Power following a memorandum of understanding signed on September 9. The collaboration aims to advance Saudi Arabia's position in water desalination and solar power technology. The center will focus on research in water quality monitoring and system performance modeling, leveraging KAUST's research centers. Why it matters: The partnership seeks to drive innovation and cost efficiencies in producing desalinated water and generating solar power, aligning with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
A KAUST project on "Hybrid Multi-Effect Adsorption Desalination" won the Global Technology Challenge at the Saudi Water & Power Forum. The competition, launched by Aramco Entrepreneurship and GE ecomagination, focused on seawater desalination using renewable energy. KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is partnering with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to bring this technology to Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This award highlights innovation in desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia given its high salinity seawater and need for sustainable water solutions.
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and KAUST have signed a strategic partnership agreement focused on research, development, and innovation. As part of this, MEWA is sponsoring Phase II of the Algae & Aquaculture Technologies Development Project at KAUST. The project aims to establish an algae industry in Saudi Arabia, create jobs, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Why it matters: This partnership signals a commitment to developing sustainable technologies and diversifying the Saudi economy through aquaculture and algal biotechnology.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) pioneers industry partnerships through its Center Industry Affiliates Program (CIAP). The program aligns industry interests with KAUST's research in desalination, wastewater reuse, new materials, hydrologic systems, and sustainable water technologies. Pilot plants enable intermediate-scale research and long-term assessments, bridging the gap between bench-scale testing and industrial implementation. Why it matters: This applied research model strengthens KAUST's impact on water sustainability challenges in Saudi Arabia and beyond.