Saudi Water Authority To Produce High-Purity Calcium Carbonate In World-First Project

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), through its research division, the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA), has begun utilising advanced technology to optimise the use of cement plant by-products (fly ash) and desalination wastewater. This initiative aims to produce high-purity calcium carbonate (vaterite) with 97% purity. The project is a pioneering effort globally, contributing to environmental conservation and promoting the circular economy concept, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative's goals by reducing carbon emissions.

The calcium carbonate extraction project is integral to the "zero brine return" technology. This technology is part of SWA's strategy to maximise brine wastewater usage in the Saline Water Conversion Corporation's (SWCC) production systems. By integrating harmful by-products from cement factories with brine wastewater, this process fosters environmental innovation and supports a sustainable economy through technological advancements.

This groundbreaking project results from a research collaboration between SWA's WTIIRA, South Korea's Taekyung Group, and Korea National University. The partnership involved extensive cooperation in engineering design, research, and feasibility studies. In 2023, a pilot unit was manufactured in South Korea and underwent six months of rigorous operational tests, confirming its optimal performance.

SWA aims to contribute up to SAR 1.5 billion annually to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 through extracting valuable metals and salts from brine wastewater and producing high-quality desalinated water suitable for drinking. The project also involves extracting high-purity bromine, sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium sulfate at various stages. These products are essential for industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, construction, food, and chemicals.

The initiative aligns with SWA's broader goals of environmental preservation and economic sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies to repurpose industrial waste products, SWA not only reduces environmental impact but also creates new economic opportunities. This approach exemplifies how innovative solutions can address both ecological challenges and economic needs simultaneously.

In summary, the SWA's efforts in utilising fly ash and desalination wastewater represent a significant step towards achieving sustainability goals. The successful implementation of this project demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives worldwide to contribute to environmental protection while driving economic growth.

With inputs from SPA