As climate change intensifies and water scarcity becomes a growing challenge, desalination has emerged as a vital solution, according to the experts attending Oman Water Week, Oman's largest gathering for water professionals.
The event is being held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of SQU, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) from April 6 to 10.
Studies suggest that the market for desalination is set to expand over the next five years, primarily driven by the Middle East, Pacific Asia, and parts of Europe. Water desalination projects play a significant role in national growth, according to Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, the strategic partner of the event.
"Faced with the consequences of climate change and water resource shortages, desalination has already proven its effectiveness. We have identified water technologies as a key growth accelerator within our GreenUp strategic programme. Veolia has made water technologies a growth 'booster' of our GreenUp strategic programme," said Brachlianoff.
The GreenUp strategic programme, titled 'Discovering Desalination,' is taking place from April 6th to 8th at the two major water desalination projects in the wilayats of Barka and Sur on consecutive days.
"This will be a unique opportunity to explore Veolia's global ambitions in desalination in line with Oman's ambitious growth plans and Strategic Development Goals. Gain insights into the latest innovations and see firsthand how our solutions in Oman could be adapted for other water-stressed regions," he added.
Experts from around the world are given a site visit to Barka IV, the largest desalination facility in Oman, followed by brainstorming sessions on desalination and implementing newer technologies to increase the availability of potable water. Additionally, there will be a desalination conference and a tour of the Sur facility.
As part of introducing the delegates to ongoing and upcoming water projects in the country, they were taken to visit the Municipal Water Programme, which includes Al Seeb STP, Al Seeb Vacuum Station - 3, and Barka 4 Desalination Plant, as well as the Port of Sohar.
"Al Seeb STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) utilises the SBR process and includes primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment units along with sludge treatment and odour control units. The Al Seeb Vacuum Station - 3 is a crucial component in wastewater management, facilitating the movement of sewage from the collection chamber to treatment facilities," said M Navaz from Raya Services, adding that the Vacuum System in Al Seeb is notable for being the largest system in the world.
The Barka Desalination plant is equipped with high-performance technologies and treatment processes, providing an environmentally friendly and sustained supply of high-quality drinking water with a record low electrical energy consumption. It offers more energy efficiency than the current state-of-the-art desalination systems and has been in commercial operation since 2018.
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