Two large solar-powered seawater desalination plants in Jubail, Eastern Province, have begun commercial operation and are now supplying potable water to millions of residents and to industry. Both projects use reverse-osmosis technology paired with on-site solar power to cut energy use and emissions.
The first plant, Jubail 3A, has received its commercial operation certificate and been officially inaugurated. Located south of Jubail city and drawing seawater from the Arabian Gulf, it produces 600,000 cubic metres of desalinated water An on-site 45.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant covers about 20% of its energy needs, and the facility reached a record efficiency of 2.8 kilowatt-hours
The wholesale project tariff under the long-term water purchase agreement is set at 0.41 US dollars per cubic metre — roughly 1.54 Saudi Riyal This is a contract tariff for the project and not the retail price charged to end-users. Such independent water projects typically run on agreements of around 25 years.
The second plant, Jubail 3B, near Al Jubail and about 65 km north of Dammam airport, is also commercially operational. It produces 570,000 cubic metres of desalinated water at 54.6 to 61 megawatts-peak. Its water is directed mainly to Riyadh and connected regions through the national transmission network.
Why it matters
The plants are designed to meet growing residential and industrial water demand in the Eastern Province and beyond. By combining reverse osmosis with advanced pre-treatment, energy-recovery systems and solar generation, they aim to deliver reliable drinking water while lowering the energy and carbon intensity of desalination.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Up Next
Outdoor Activities Near Jeddah: Beaches & Deserts
From the Corniche and Red Sea beaches to desert safaris and Moon Valley hikes, here is your practical guide to outdoor activities near Jeddah.
Sep 19,2026
Saudi Non-Oil, Government Activity Up 0.9% in Q2 2026
Saudi Arabia's non-oil and government activities grew 0.9% year-on-year in Q2 2026, even as overall real GDP contracted due to lower oil activity.
Sep 19,2026
Riyadh Season 2025–2026: Winter Combat Sports Lineup
Riyadh Season 2025–2026 runs Oct 10 to late March with expanded boxing, WWE Royal Rumble, darts, snooker and padel events across Riyadh venues.
Sep 19,2026
Seventh AlUla Dates Season Opens 18 September 2026
AlUla Dates Season returns 18 September to mid-November 2026 with a weekend dates auction, farmers' market, tastings and heritage activities.
Sep 19,2026Related Stories
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.
