The Shuqaiq 3 desalination project receives the “Utilities Project of the Year” award

The Shuqaiq 3 desalination project, awarded last January to the consortium made up of Almar Water Solutions, through Abdul Latif Jameel, Marubeni Corporation, ACCIONA and Rawafid Alhadarah Holding Co., yesterday received the “Utilities Project of the Year” recognition at the Middle East Energy Awards 2019 held in Dubai. The awards gala, which brought together companies and professionals from the energy and water industries in the Middle East, for the first time included alternative and renewable energy projects.

Shuqaiq 3, which reached financial close last May, will be one of the largest reverse osmosis desalination plants in the world, with a production capacity of 450,000 cubic meters per day. The project is programmed for completion in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will be developed under a 25-year BOO (build, own, operate) contract scheme.

Since several countries in the region are aligning with the international protocols regarding climate change and reduction of carbon emissions, guaranteeing a sustainable supply of energy and water is an increasingly important priority in the region. For this reason, the Shuqaiq 3 project represents a safe and effective alternative to guarantee the supply of drinking water to more than 1.8 million citizens, contributing to the economic and industrial development of the country.

Carlos Cosín, CEO of Almar Water Solutions, also noted that “Shuqaiq 3 is an important economic and social milestone that will create 700 jobs, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Visión 2030 and its goals of increasing investment and employment opportunities”.

With 16 categories, in comparison with the 10 in the 2018 awards, the Middle East Energy Awards recognize projects and initiatives of both individuals and companies that make an effort to innovate and change the energy sector in the Middle East. In this regard, the industry has recognized Carlos Cosín as one of the most 50 influential professionals who continue to lead and shape the utilities sector in the GCC region and its surroundings.