Etihad Water And Khalifa University Join Forces To Enhance Water Quality In The UAE

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has partnered with Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Centre for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology (CMAT) to improve water treatment and resource management in the UAE. This collaboration aims to explore advanced membrane technologies, enhance water quality, and optimise desalination processes using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

The agreement outlines plans to develop pilot projects that test new desalination technologies. AI-driven models will be deployed to boost efficiency and sustainability in these processes. The partnership also includes knowledge exchange through educational modules, workshops, and competitions focused on advanced water technologies. Opportunities for internships and research are part of this initiative.

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated, "This MoU perfectly aligns with our ambition to enhance operational efficiency and ensure water security in the UAE’s northern emirates. By combining Khalifa University’s research capabilities with EtihadWE’s practical experience, we will advance sustainable water management."

The collaboration supports student engagement by offering internships, research projects, and job opportunities for graduates. Khalifa University plans to integrate real-world case studies into its curriculum to enrich academic experiences. Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, expressed excitement about the partnership's role in strengthening water management in the UAE.

Prof Al Hajri remarked, "We are delighted to further cement our partnership with this MoU and play a critical role in strengthening water treatment and resource management in the UAE. Our Center for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology has achieved pioneering innovations in desalination and sustainable water management."

Technological Advancements

EtihadWE contributes significantly to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 through this collaboration. The Naqa’a desalination plant is a key example of their efforts, using advanced Reverse Osmosis technology to supply water to around two million residents annually. Innovative systems like Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Pressure Exchanger (PX) reduce energy consumption by over 60%.

The company also focuses on reducing Non-Revenue Water leaks using tools such as SmartBall, data loggers, and acoustic inspection technologies. District Metering helps identify leaks more effectively, enhancing water security across their network.

Research Integration

Khalifa University's research will be directly applied to EtihadWE’s projects through the MoU. This approach allows for real-world testing of new solutions in desalination facilities and infrastructure. Dr Shadi W Hasan from CMAT highlighted the importance of integrating advanced membrane technologies with AI-driven optimisation for improved efficiency.

Dr Hasan noted, "This partnership represents a significant step forward in applying cutting-edge research to solve real-world challenges in water management." The focus is on unlocking new levels of efficiency and sustainability in desalination processes.

Innovative Solutions

Khalifa University leads in water treatment innovation through CMAT's projects under Dr Hasan's leadership. They are advancing solar-powered desalination systems suited for the UAE climate and developing electrified membranes using nanomaterials like graphene for better pollutant removal.

CMAT is also working on commercialising eco-friendly nanocomposite membranes and graphene-based biosensors for rapid virus detection. These innovations highlight Khalifa University's commitment to sustainable solutions addressing global water challenges.

This collaboration between EtihadWE and Khalifa University aims to refine technologies that ensure a secure water future for the UAE while addressing industrial needs worldwide.

With inputs from WAM