
This briefing explores Dubai’s Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) project, positioned to set a new benchmark for sustainable water production. We unpack what makes the plant globally significant, from its scale and solar integration to the engineering choices that drive exceptional energy efficiency, and why this matters for Dubai’s long-term water security strategy.
Dubai’s Hassyan SWRO desalination plant is planned as the world’s largest solar-powered desalination facility, targeting ~818,000 m³/day (180 MIGD) with record energy consumption of ~2.9 kWh/m³. The note summarises project fundamentals (location, technology, timeline and investment), outlines the technology and treatment innovations supporting performance, and highlights strategic and environmental considerations, including alignment with Dubai’s clean energy and net-zero strategies and proximity to sensitive habitats.
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