The Saudi Water Authority, through the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancements (WTIIRA), is developing a project to cultivate microalgae using desalination brine and carbon dioxide emissions. The project aims to turn desalination byproducts into valuable bio-based products with economic potential.
The project seeks to produce 60 tons of microalgae annually for use in developing animal and fish feed. It also aims to produce 8,000 cubic meters of biofertilizer and 20 kilograms of materials for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications each year. These outputs will help diversify products, maximize the economic value of desalination byproducts and support circular economy applications.
WTIIRA is developing microalgae cultivation technologies using open and closed cultivation systems. It is also studying their operational efficiency and the potential use of desalination brine and carbon dioxide in the production process. This work supports the development of solutions to reduce carbon emissions and promote the sustainable use of resources.
The project also includes preparations to establish an integrated environment for microalgae cultivation at the Water Innovation Oasis in Rabigh. The initiative aims to assess the technical performance and economic feasibility of microalgae cultivation. It will also identify opportunities to scale up production and develop future industrial applications.
The project is part of the Saudi Water Authority's efforts to develop innovative technologies that extend beyond the traditional uses of desalination byproducts and turn them into economically valuable resources. These efforts aim to support the localization of bio-based industries, create new investment opportunities, and enhance environmental sustainability and resource-use efficiency. They also align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
