Turning Tides: How ACCIONA’s Shuqaiq 4 Plant is Redefining Water Access in Saudi Arabia

A Wave of Transformation

In the vast and arid southwest of Saudi Arabia, the horizon now holds a shimmering beacon of hope — the Shuqaiq 4 desalination plant. ACCIONA has successfully completed the construction and commissioning of this state-of-the-art facility, marking a monumental leap in the region’s water infrastructure. With the capacity to produce 400,000 cubic meters of potable water every single day, it is poised to change countless lives.  

This remarkable achievement means that more than 3.5 million people will have access to clean, safe water, drastically improving health, sanitation, and economic opportunities. The plant employs advanced Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology, offering maximum energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact — a necessary balance in a world increasingly aware of its ecological footprint. From the moment water enters the system to the moment it flows from taps, every drop is a testament to innovation and sustainable vision.  

Beyond Shuqaiq 4 — A Vision for the Future

Granted in 2021 to the ACCIONA-RTCC consortium by Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), the project serves as a shining example of how strategic partnerships can solve pressing global challenges. But ACCIONA’s journey doesn’t end here. The company is already a linchpin in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation of its water sector, actively building and operating several other facilities.  

Among its impressive portfolio are Al Khobar I and II, Shuqaiq 3, and Jubail 3B, collectively raising its desalination output to more than 2.3 million cubic meters per day — enough to supply potable water to over nine million people. In the face of growing population pressures and increasingly harsh climatic conditions, ACCIONA’s work is not only vital but visionary. Step by step, plant by plant, ACCIONA is ensuring that water scarcity transforms into water security for generations to come.  

Transforming Wastewater Management: ACCIONA's Pioneering Role in Cairo's Gabal El Asfar Complex

In recent years, the global emphasis on environmental sustainability has led to significant advancements in wastewater management. Among the leaders in this field, ACCIONA has emerged as a key player, particularly in Egypt. The company, in collaboration with the local firm DHCU, has been awarded a €35 million contract by the Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater (CAPW) in Cairo. This contract involves the operation and maintenance of Phase II of the Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment complex for a period of eight years. This facility, recognized as the largest wastewater treatment plant in Africa and the Middle East, not only serves eight million residents in eastern Cairo but also stands as the third largest globally in terms of treatment capacity, processing an impressive 2.5 Hm³ of wastewater daily.

The scope of this contract encompasses extensive rehabilitation works and upgrades on two plants within the Gabal El Asfar complex, each capable of treating 500,000 m³ per day. Such an undertaking reflects ACCIONA's commitment to enhancing water management systems and underscores the importance of modernizing existing infrastructure to meet the burgeoning demands of urban populations. The company's previous experience with Gabal El Asfar—having previously expanded its capacity by 500,000 m³ per day—positions it uniquely to undertake this new challenge effectively and efficiently.

Extensive Experience in Water Treatment

ACCIONA’s extensive track record in water treatment in Egypt has been instrumental in securing this latest contract. The company’s involvement with the Gabal El Asfar complex began in 2013 when it was awarded the project for its expansion. Furthermore, in 2022, ACCIONA, alongside DHCU, successfully completed the operation, maintenance, and improvement of Phase I of the complex, which has a capacity of 1.5 Hm³ per day. This experience has equipped ACCIONA with invaluable insights into the operational requirements and challenges inherent in managing such a large-scale facility.

In addition to its work at Gabal El Asfar, ACCIONA has played a pivotal role in enhancing Egypt's water infrastructure more broadly. Notably, the company has collaborated with CAPW on the operation of the upper-level water supply network in New Cairo, a rapidly growing satellite city approximately 30 kilometers east of Cairo. This contract, which involves sourcing water from the Nile River, transporting it to a treatment plant, and ensuring its delivery to consumers, underscores ACCIONA’s holistic approach to water management. Moreover, the company has contributed to the construction of five additional drinking water treatment plants across Egypt, collectively capable of serving over six million people.

ACCIONA’s commitment to excellence extends beyond urban wastewater treatment. The company has also engineered and commissioned the Bahr Al Baqr wastewater treatment plant, which boasts a capacity of 5.6 Hm³ per day. This facility employs advanced treatment processes to produce water suitable for agricultural irrigation, highlighting ACCIONA’s dedication to sustainable practices that contribute to food security in the region.

The collaboration between ACCIONA and DHCU in the Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment complex exemplifies a strategic approach to addressing the pressing water management challenges faced by urban centers. Through its extensive experience and innovative solutions, ACCIONA not only fosters environmental sustainability but also enhances the quality of life for millions of residents in Cairo. As cities worldwide continue to grapple with similar issues, the success of such initiatives will undoubtedly serve as a model for future projects aimed at improving water treatment and management systems globally.