Shuaiba 5 Station: A global leap in energy efficiency by exceeding its production capacity.

The Shuqaiq 5 desalination plant has achieved a significant milestone by exceeding its designed production capacity by 11%, bringing its daily desalinated water output to 665,000 cubic meters, compared to a previous 600,000 cubic meters, without incurring additional costs. This achievement is attributed to effective project management and optimal asset utilization, enhancing water supply stability and contributing to sustainable water security.

The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) affirmed that this improvement represents a qualitative addition to the water system, increasing supply efficiency and improving the return on investment in infrastructure, while adhering to the highest standards of energy and operational efficiency.

The project has gained international recognition by being registered in the Guinness World Records as the most energy-efficient reverse osmosis desalination plant, consuming only 1.7 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter. This demonstrates the remarkable technological advancements in the design and operation of modern desalination plants.

The project also received the 2025 Asian Water Awards in recognition of achieving zero carbon emissions, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in energy efficiency within the desalination sector and establishing it as a global model for high-efficiency plants.

International institutions, such as the World Bank, have praised the Saudi experience with the Shuqaiq 5 project as an advanced model for improving energy efficiency in desalination projects.

This positive performance directly benefits the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, enhancing the reliability of water supplies during peak periods, particularly during Ramadan and the Hajj season, ensuring continued service and raising the system’s readiness to meet the needs of pilgrims and visitors.

This achievement comes within the context of the SWPC’s efforts to support Saudi Vision 2030, through reducing carbon emissions by more than two million tons annually and adopting environmentally friendly technologies, which enhances resource sustainability and solidifies the Kingdom’s leading global position in water services.