Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has announced the receipt of a proposal for the development of the Jubail 4 & 6 Independent Water Project.
The bid was submitted by a consortium led by ACWA Power, alongside Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. and AlSharif Contracting and Commercial Development.
The proposed desalination plant will be located 18 kilometers south of Jubail Industrial City on Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Gulf coast, adjacent to the existing Jubail Phase 1, 2, 3A, and 3B units.
Once completed, the Jubail 4 & 6 project will have the capacity to produce 600,000 cubic meters of potable water per day and will include an integrated electrical substation.
SWPC previously confirmed its plans to run a competitive tender process, inviting private sector developers or consortiums to undertake the project.
The selected bidder will be responsible for the development, financing, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project.
Under a 25-year Water Purchase Agreement (WPA), the developer will sell the entire output to SWPC, with financial backing from the Saudi government.
The commercial operations for the Jubail 4 & 6 plant are projected to begin in the first quarter of 2028, marking another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious water infrastructure plans.
SWPC has been a pioneer in the implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, successfully attracting over $12 billion in private sector investments for water and wastewater projects across the Kingdom.
To date, the company has overseen the development of 20 desalination and waste treatment projects, as well as strategic reservoir and transmission line projects, adding more than 6 million cubic meters per day to the national water supply.
By involving the private sector, SWPC ensures that these projects are not only financially viable but also aligned with long-term environmental goals.
On the global stage, SWPC is sharing its expertise in water privatisation and international collaboration. The company seeks to play a major role in addressing global water challenges, leveraging its experience to contribute to water management solutions worldwide.
In its broader commitment to sustainability, SWPC has focused on reducing the carbon footprint of its operations by incorporating renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, continues to lead the global water industry, leveraging advanced desalination methods that deliver the lowest water production tariffs globally.
SWPC’s integration of renewable energy is a key part of its long-term strategy to enhance sustainability in the water sector. The company has already integrated solar photovoltaic systems into projects such as Jubail 3A, 3B, and Yanbu 4.
These renewable initiatives have significantly reduced reliance on conventional energy sources, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s national energy mix goals under the Saudi Green Initiative.
Efforts to improve efficiency and cut costs have been a focal point for SWPC. Through the introduction of innovative technologies, the company has managed to reduce energy consumption in water production and treatment processes by about 15%.
The Taif sewage treatment plant, for instance, is using biogas to partially power its operations, while three other sewage treatment plants are utilizing solar energy, further diversifying SWPC’s renewable energy portfolio.
SWPC is ramping up efforts to meet the national water demand target of 18 million cubic meters per day by 2030 through public-private partnerships (PPP).
With a portfolio of 50 projects planned by 2031, SWPC aims to attract over $30 billion in private sector investment.
These projects include desalination plants, wastewater treatment facilities, water transmission pipelines, and strategic reserves, all aimed at addressing local water demand and enhancing the Kingdom’s water infrastructure.
SWPC is also focused on capacity building by investing in local talent through training programs centered on privatisation.
The company also aims to strengthen the role of local contractors in water sector projects, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute effectively. These efforts support national water strategy goals and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, promoting a reliable water supply and enhancing the sector’s operational and financial sustainability
