Kuwait is set to tackle its water scarcity challenges with a groundbreaking proposal from OSMOSUN, a French renewable energy firm specialising in solar-powered seawater and brackish water desalination solutions.
The company has put forward a plan to establish a solar-powered desalination facility capable of producing 50,000 cubic meters of water daily, addressing the country’s increasing demand for water resources.
The proposal has been submitted to Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy and is fully financed by OSMOSUN. The project is projected to be operational within two years.
The proposed desalination plant will use solar energy to power its operations, significantly decreasing costs and minimising carbon emissions compared to conventional fuel-dependent systems.
OSMOSUN’s technology represents a shift towards more sustainable practices in water production, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly water supply solutions.
The plant’s capacity can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the ministry, offering flexibility as water demand fluctuates.
One of the primary benefits of OSMOSUN’s initiative is that it will not impose any financial burden on the Kuwaiti government. The project will be executed under the independent provider system (IPS), wherein OSMOSUN will finance all aspects of construction, operation, and maintenance.
The arrangement enables Kuwait to sidestep the financial challenges typically associated with large-scale desalination projects.
OSMOSUN also plans to secure a long-term contract lasting 25 years or more, providing a reliable and low-risk avenue for the country to expand its water production capabilities. The anticipated cost of water from this plant is expected to be more affordable than existing prices, further easing the financial strain on the government.
Kuwait has been grappling with delays in its desalination and power generation projects, which has heightened concerns over potential water shortages.
This has led to increased calls for the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy to accelerate the development of new water production facilities. OSMOSUN’s solar desalination proposal presents a timely solution that could alleviate these concerns by providing a faster and more sustainable alternative.
While the government is already advancing several desalination projects, including one in West Doha, these initiatives come with significant costs. In contrast, the OSMOSUN project represents a financially prudent option, significantly mitigating the government’s financial risks.
OSMOSUN has successfully implemented solar desalination projects in various regions around the world, including Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. The company’s technology is celebrated for its energy efficiency, making it particularly suitable for remote locations in Kuwait, such as Failaka Island, which lacks connections to traditional fuel and electrical grids.
Earlier this year, OSMOSUN commissioned its first solar desalination plant in Morocco, producing freshwater to irrigate a 38-hectare ecological plantation as part of a regenerative agriculture project.
The plant, located in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, is capable of producing up to 140 million cubic meters of freshwater per day from underground brackish water reserves.
Once treated, this water will irrigate 31 hectares of plantations featuring fig, pomegranate, and carob trees, as well as aromatic plants like geraniums and rosemary. OSMOSUN’s dedicated teams in Morocco will manage the ongoing maintenance of the facility.
In addition to the main project, a 7-hectare pilot plantation has been established to experiment with the treatment of brine, incorporating halophytes, fodder plants, and various trees.
Founded in 2022, SAND TO GREEN has pioneered an innovative agroforestry model inspired by traditional oasis systems, aiming to restore soil fertility in arid regions. This model encompasses three key elements: advanced agroforestry software, soil bioengineering, and the utilization of unconventional water sources, such as brackish drilling water. To facilitate this vision, SAND TO GREEN partnered with OSMOSUN for water treatment solutions.
