Shuaiba-5 Desalination Surpasses Design Capacity By 11% And Sets Efficiency Record

Saudi Water Authority said the Shuaiba-5 desalination system has pushed daily production to 665,000 cubic meters, about 11% above its design capacity of 600,000 cubic meters, without extra cost. The higher output supports water security, strengthens strategic reserves, and backs Saudi Vision 2030 environmental goals, according to the authority.

The authority explained that the extra capacity helps secure supplies for Makkah Region during peak demand periods, including the blessed month of Ramadan and the Hajj season. The improved system readiness supports Umrah performers and worshippers, while keeping energy use low and limiting carbon emissions to protect the local environment.

SWA stated that efficient project management and better use of existing assets allowed Shuaiba-5 desalination system to exceed design limits without new spending. The authority said this performance raises supply reliability, improves the value of infrastructure investments, and maintains strict energy efficiency standards and approved operational requirements across the desalination facility.

The authority highlighted that Shuaiba-5 desalination system holds a Guinness World Records certificate for achieving the world’s lowest energy consumption in reverse osmosis desalination, at 1.7 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter. SWA said the project shows progress in designing, building, and operating modern plants using national engineering and technical skills.

SWA added that the project received the Asian Water Awards for 2025 after reaching zero carbon emissions. The authority said this recognition strengthens the Kingdom’s global position in desalination energy efficiency and places Shuaiba-5 desalination system as an international reference point for high-efficiency seawater desalination projects.

According to SWA, the World Bank has praised Shuaiba-5 desalination system as an advanced model for improving energy efficiency in desalination schemes worldwide. The authority noted that these achievements reinforce the Kingdom’s leadership in water services while encouraging wider adoption of efficient, environmentally friendly technologies in large infrastructure projects.

The authority said the performance of Shuaiba-5 desalination system supports Saudi Vision 2030 targets to reduce carbon emissions, which exceed 2 million tons annually, by expanding low-emission technologies. SWA stressed that raising output without extra energy use improves water security, service continuity, and sustainable hospitality for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

With inputs from SPA