Desalination produces 77% of all fresh water and 99% of drinking water in Qatar, making it a crucial lifeline. Globally, while desalination only accounts for 1% of fresh-water withdrawals, Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE rely heavily on this technology, with mega-plants producing over a million cubic meters daily.
The Ras Al-Khair plant in Saudi Arabia is one such giant, capable of generating enough water to meet millions’ needs. As climate change intensifies, so does desalination’s role; by 2028, Middle Eastern capacity could grow by over 40% and consume significant electricity.
The tech’s expansion isn’t without its challenges—growing plants are more efficient but also require substantial energy. Desalination is expected to add 190 terawatt-hours of demand globally by 2035, the equivalent of powering about 60 million households.
