Sur desalination plant emerges as a model for eco innovation
MUSCAT: In the sun-soaked South Al Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman, the Sur desalination plant stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the water sector. Managed by Veolia, a global leader in ecological transformation, the plant is the first of its kind in the region — a cutting-edge seawater desalination facility powered entirely by renewable energy during daylight hours.
With a daily capacity of 131,837 cubic metres, the Sur plant supplies potable water to around 500,000 residents, addressing the growing demand driven by rapid population and economic expansion. Since its commissioning in 2007, it has delivered over 400 million cubic metres of clean drinking water. But beyond sheer numbers, what sets Sur apart is its ambitious approach to sustainability and efficiency.
At the heart of the facility is a suite of advanced technologies designed to minimise environmental impact and optimise performance. The plant uses the world's largest beach well water supply system, which naturally filters seawater through sand, reducing the need for intensive chemical pre-treatment. This innovative intake method not only eases operational costs but also protects marine ecosystems.
Further supporting environmental goals are the plant's Energy Recovery Devices (ERDs), which slash energy consumption by 60%. This is crucial in a country where desalination accounts for a significant portion of water supply and where energy use has historically been a concern in such operations. In fact, the facility is 100% solar-powered during daylight hours — a milestone in green infrastructure that aligns with Oman's National Energy Strategy to derive 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Veolia's proprietary digital tool, Hubgrade, plays a pivotal role in the plant's daily operations. By integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning, the system enables predictive membrane analytics, real-time process optimisation, and AI-driven maintenance planning. This smart resource management boosts asset efficiency and ensures uninterrupted water supply, even under challenging conditions.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, emphasised the plant's significance in the region's water security strategy. 'The Sur desalination plant is provided by green energy and solar panels — a sustainable source of energy for a very long time. We also highlight a Gen-AI tool to operate the desalination plant better. Through to what we call the 'barrel', which is a very unique patented solution... it's very modular, so you can have the construction being done in a much more rapid way and use less footprint on the ground. That's another innovation, which is quite disruptive,' she said during an interview with the Observer.
The 'barrel' technology — modular Reverse Osmosis units developed by Veolia — enables quick deployment and compact installation. These units support low-footprint pre-treatment systems, including modular media and cartridge filters, as well as a compact Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system. The result is a facility that is not only energy-efficient but also scalable and adaptable to different water demand scenarios.
The Sur desalination plant also pioneers environmental stewardship. Smart brine management ensures compliance with local regulations while minimising ecological harm, and the facility uses minimal chemicals during operations. By reducing stress on groundwater resources and protecting marine biodiversity, the plant sets a benchmark for desalination sustainability.
Aligned with Veolia's GreenUp strategic programme and Oman Vision 2040, the Sur desalination plant is more than just infrastructure — it is a model for the future of water supply in arid regions. As demand for clean water continues to rise across the Middle East, this facility exemplifies how technological innovation and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand to deliver secure, affordable, and sustainable water solutions.
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