The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has announced plans to begin local manufacturing of energy recovery devices (ERDs), marking the establishment of the world’s first facility of its kind outside the US. 

The specialised desalination technology, previously produced only in the US, will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia from the first quarter of 2027.

The facility, established by Energy Recovery, will have an annual production capacity of 2,000 units, exceeding the Kingdom’s estimated yearly demand of around 1,200 units and achieving local supply self-sufficiency. 

Around 40 per cent of production is expected to be exported to markets across the GCC, Africa and Asia.

ERDs play a key role in improving desalination plant efficiency by reducing energy consumption and operating costs. 

Local production will help minimise import dependence, improve supply chain reliability and ensure faster access to critical technologies supporting the Kingdom’s water security.

The project targets a market valued at more than SAR547 million ($146 million), including SAR247 million in Saudi Arabia and approximately SAR300 million across wider MENA markets.

It is expected to contribute around SAR137 million to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2033, create more than 50 direct jobs and achieve over 80 per cent local content across the value chain.

The initiative will also support technology transfer and strengthen national expertise in advanced desalination manufacturing.

It has been developed through collaboration between SWA, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

The project represents a strategic move for Saudi Arabia, shifting from importing ERD technology to producing and exporting it. 

The facility is expected to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for water technology manufacturing while enhancing supply chain security and competitiveness in the global desalination sector. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service