(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)
Saudi Arabia's water sector experienced pivotal advancements in 2023, with desalinated seawater production growing by 31 percent. The increase has resulted in desalinated water now accounting for half of the country's distributed water supply, marking a rise from 44 percent in the previous year. These developments were detailed in the latest report from the General Authority for Statistics, which highlights significant shifts in the kingdom's water management strategies.
The surge in desalination output is a key milestone for Saudi Arabia, underscoring its ongoing commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges. As the country seeks to reduce dependence on non-renewable groundwater sources, desalinated seawater plays an increasingly important role in the country's strategy for sustainable water usage.
Saudi Arabia, which faces one of the most arid climates in the world, has long invested heavily in desalination technology. The nation is a global leader in this sector, with some of the largest desalination plants in operation. The 31 percent rise in production reflects both enhanced technological capabilities and the scaling up of existing plants to meet growing demand, especially in urban areas.
The shift to desalinated water is part of a broader effort to diversify water sources and reduce reliance on dwindling natural groundwater reserves. Groundwater, often non-renewable, has long been a primary source of water for agriculture and rural areas. However, the over-extraction of groundwater has led to challenges related to sustainability. The reduction in non-renewable groundwater consumption by the agricultural sector, which decreased by 7 percent in 2023, further reflects the kingdom's efforts to promote more sustainable water management practices.
In the face of mounting water scarcity, the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of efforts to innovate and adapt. The reduction in groundwater usage by the agriculture sector, which consumed 9,356 million cubic meters in 2023, down from 10,044 million cubic meters the previous year, is a notable achievement. This decline in water consumption can be attributed to various strategies, including the introduction of more efficient irrigation methods and a shift toward crops that require less water.
See also
Citigroup Withdraws from Global Climate Banking Alliance
Water efficiency is central to Saudi Arabia's long-term vision for managing its water resources. The country has placed a significant emphasis on the development and implementation of technologies that improve water conservation in both urban and rural areas. The kingdom's focus on improving irrigation systems in agriculture and promoting water-saving technologies in cities aligns with its broader goals to reduce water wastage and enhance overall efficiency.
The government's initiatives in water management reflect a clear understanding of the challenges posed by the kingdom's harsh climate. Saudi Arabia's vast deserts, coupled with a growing population and expanding agricultural demands, place considerable pressure on the nation's water resources. Desalination has thus become an essential part of the strategy to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of water.
Experts argue that the rise in desalinated water production signals Saudi Arabia's growing ability to address its water needs without compromising future sustainability. However, desalination is not without its challenges. The energy-intensive nature of desalination processes and their environmental impact are concerns that have led to discussions about the long-term sustainability of such practices. As the demand for desalinated water grows, there is an increasing focus on optimizing energy use in desalination plants to reduce their carbon footprint.
The water sector's expansion comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is also exploring alternative solutions such as wastewater treatment and reuse. Wastewater recycling programs have gained traction in both urban and industrial sectors, as the country seeks to maximize its water resources through reclamation and reuse initiatives. This complements the country's broader vision for a circular economy, where water resources are reused and recycled to reduce consumption and waste.
See also
Oman Establishes Net Zero Centre to Achieve 2050 Carbon Neutrality
In a region where water scarcity is an ongoing challenge, the changes in Saudi Arabia's water sector reflect broader trends seen across the Middle East and North Africa. Other nations in the region are also heavily investing in desalination and water reuse technologies to address the growing demand for water resources. Saudi Arabia's increased desalination production and reduced groundwater usage are part of the kingdom's broader commitment to sustainability, as outlined in its Vision 2030 plan.
Looking ahead, the government's focus on innovative technologies is expected to continue driving the water sector's development. Investments in desalination, water recycling, and sustainable agricultural practices are likely to increase, ensuring that the kingdom's water sector remains resilient in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Furthermore, the expansion of desalination infrastructure is expected to support the growing population and industrial needs, with new projects planned for the coming years.
via Greenlogue
____________________________________
This article first appeared on Greenlogu and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Networ
Notice an issue?
Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com . We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
ADVERTISEMENT
MENAFN08012025000152002308ID1109068085
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.