Saudi Utility Giant ACWA Power Leading the Charge in Energy and Water Sectors
ACWA Power, the Saudi utility giant, is making waves in the global energy and water sectors with its groundbreaking efforts to reduce power consumption in desalination processes. Abdurahman Al-Sum, the executive director of environmental, social, and governance at ACWA Power, shared in an interview at COP16 the company’s remarkable achievements in cutting desalination energy use by more than 87 percent over the past decade, showcasing its unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Pioneering Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Water Solutions
Al-Sum proudly declared, “We are the first movers in the green hydrogen sector. We provide water to communities at a minimal cost while also offering decarbonized energy, indirectly combating water scarcity.” ACWA Power, a major player in water desalination and renewable energy, is placing a strong emphasis on environmental protection through biodiversity initiatives in its water, sea, and land operations.
Integrating Biodiversity Protection at Every Stage
Al-Sum explained that biodiversity protection is ingrained in every aspect of ACWA Power’s operations, from design to execution. He emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental and social impact assessments, ensuring that biodiversity considerations are integrated into all projects. Moreover, ACWA Power has pledged to plant one million trees by 2030 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, showcasing its dedication to sustainability.
Collaboration and Innovation Drive Success
Highlighting ACWA Power’s collaborative approach, Al-Sum underscored the company’s reliance on joint ventures and partnerships to achieve its goals. He emphasized the importance of working with partners, especially in projects in the Red Sea region that provide essential freshwater resources to local communities. Innovation has been a cornerstone of ACWA Power’s success, with a strong focus on research and development leading to significant reductions in desalination energy use.
Supporting Global Coral Reef Research and Sustainability Goals
Al-Sum discussed ACWA Power’s global efforts to support coral reef research in collaboration with the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform. He highlighted the company’s contributions to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals, particularly in clean water, renewable energy, and climate action. The Energy and Water Academy, a nonprofit organization supported by ACWA Power, has trained over 15,000 students in renewable energy and desalination, fostering opportunities for women in specialized fields.
Driving Saudi Arabia’s Transition to Renewable Energy
Looking ahead, Al-Sum emphasized ACWA Power’s role in Saudi Arabia’s transition to renewable energy, working closely with the government to integrate clean energy into the country’s grid. He stressed the importance of a gradual transition to minimize disruptions to daily life. ACWA Power’s partnership with the Sekaya Charitable Foundation to build a micro water grid in one of its operating communities exemplifies its commitment to economic and sustainability goals in Saudi Arabia.