Veolia Oman aims for global benchmark in sustainable desalination
Published: 03:04 PM,Apr 12,2025 | EDITED : 07:04 PM,Apr 13,2025
The facility showcases what’s possible when water infrastructure is designed with sustainability at its core.
MUSCAT, APRIL 12
Veolia Oman, in a significant stride toward sustainable water production, is positioning itself as a global leader in desalination efficiency and renewable energy integration. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Erwan Rouxel, CEO of Veolia Oman, underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, energy performance, and community development—particularly through its flagship plants in Barka and Sur.
“These two plants are not only important for Oman—they are flagships for the entire desalination industry,” said Rouxel. “Barka 4 is the largest desalination plant in the country and among the most efficient in the world.”
He highlighted a milestone achievement: the Barka plant’s energy consumption has been reduced to below 3 kilowatt-hours per cubic metre of water produced—an elite benchmark in the global desalination market, where the industry average remains above that threshold.
“Being able to go below 3 kilowatt-hours is quite an achievement,” Rouxel noted, emphasising the advanced technology and operational discipline that made this possible.
Meanwhile, the Sur plant has broken new ground in renewable energy. “Sur is the first desalination plant of its size in the world fully powered by solar energy during daylight hours,” said Rouxel. The facility showcases what’s possible when water infrastructure is designed with sustainability at its core.
Resilience is also a core strength of Veolia Oman’s operations. Both plants are equipped to handle local environmental challenges such as high salinity and algal blooms, particularly frequent in the Barka region. Rouxel stated, “We have the pretreatment stages required to remove all solids and components from seawater. We’re well-equipped to respond to algal blooms, which are quite common on Oman’s coasts.”
He further emphasised Veolia’s preparedness in supply chain disruptions, especially when it comes to water treatment chemicals. “We closely monitor the global chemicals market and have framework agreements with suppliers. Because of our scale, we’re often given priority,” he said. This proactive approach ensures continuity of water services even during global or regional crises.
Beyond operational excellence, Veolia Oman demonstrates a strong commitment to in-country value and community development. The company maintains high levels of local procurement and workforce nationalization. “Around 75% of our workforce is Omani,” said Rouxel. “We’re not just serving communities—we live among them. It’s part of our DNA.” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a compliance metric for Veolia. It is deeply embedded in its long-term vision. “To sustain a long-term partnership with our client and the country, we must be deeply rooted here. That’s why we identify, train, and promote local talent,” Rouxel added.
The CEO also assured the company’s readiness in case of unforeseen disruptions, including natural disasters and pandemics. “Our plants didn’t stop during Covid-19. We’re in charge of essential services, and we have emergency plans that can be activated any time,” he said, citing the company’s response during the last major cyclone as another example of operational resilience.
Rouxel expressed confidence in the strength of Veolia Oman’s contracts with the government, noting that the legal and regulatory framework in Oman supports long-term, stable investment. “Our projects are contract-based, and the Omani government understands the value of commitment. That gives us confidence in our ability to adapt to any future policy changes.” With a clear focus on energy efficiency, local empowerment, and sustainability, Veolia Oman’s desalination projects are not only helping meet the country’s growing water demand—they’re setting new global standards in the process.
Veolia Oman, in a significant stride toward sustainable water production, is positioning itself as a global leader in desalination efficiency and renewable energy integration. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Erwan Rouxel, CEO of Veolia Oman, underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, energy performance, and community development—particularly through its flagship plants in Barka and Sur.
“These two plants are not only important for Oman—they are flagships for the entire desalination industry,” said Rouxel. “Barka 4 is the largest desalination plant in the country and among the most efficient in the world.”
He highlighted a milestone achievement: the Barka plant’s energy consumption has been reduced to below 3 kilowatt-hours per cubic metre of water produced—an elite benchmark in the global desalination market, where the industry average remains above that threshold.
“Being able to go below 3 kilowatt-hours is quite an achievement,” Rouxel noted, emphasising the advanced technology and operational discipline that made this possible.
Meanwhile, the Sur plant has broken new ground in renewable energy. “Sur is the first desalination plant of its size in the world fully powered by solar energy during daylight hours,” said Rouxel. The facility showcases what’s possible when water infrastructure is designed with sustainability at its core.
Resilience is also a core strength of Veolia Oman’s operations. Both plants are equipped to handle local environmental challenges such as high salinity and algal blooms, particularly frequent in the Barka region. Rouxel stated, “We have the pretreatment stages required to remove all solids and components from seawater. We’re well-equipped to respond to algal blooms, which are quite common on Oman’s coasts.”
He further emphasised Veolia’s preparedness in supply chain disruptions, especially when it comes to water treatment chemicals. “We closely monitor the global chemicals market and have framework agreements with suppliers. Because of our scale, we’re often given priority,” he said. This proactive approach ensures continuity of water services even during global or regional crises.
Beyond operational excellence, Veolia Oman demonstrates a strong commitment to in-country value and community development. The company maintains high levels of local procurement and workforce nationalization. “Around 75% of our workforce is Omani,” said Rouxel. “We’re not just serving communities—we live among them. It’s part of our DNA.” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just a compliance metric for Veolia. It is deeply embedded in its long-term vision. “To sustain a long-term partnership with our client and the country, we must be deeply rooted here. That’s why we identify, train, and promote local talent,” Rouxel added.
The CEO also assured the company’s readiness in case of unforeseen disruptions, including natural disasters and pandemics. “Our plants didn’t stop during Covid-19. We’re in charge of essential services, and we have emergency plans that can be activated any time,” he said, citing the company’s response during the last major cyclone as another example of operational resilience.
Rouxel expressed confidence in the strength of Veolia Oman’s contracts with the government, noting that the legal and regulatory framework in Oman supports long-term, stable investment. “Our projects are contract-based, and the Omani government understands the value of commitment. That gives us confidence in our ability to adapt to any future policy changes.” With a clear focus on energy efficiency, local empowerment, and sustainability, Veolia Oman’s desalination projects are not only helping meet the country’s growing water demand—they’re setting new global standards in the process.