In January 2022, the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) announced the groundbreaking of the 826 million dollar Al Rayyis Independent Water Project. According to Middle East Construction News, a consortium led by Engie with Saudi groups Nesma and Mowah was developing the project on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis with a 25-year term. The reverse osmosis plant, with a stated capacity of 450,000 m³, was to serve Makkah and Madinah from the fourth quarter of 2023. Solar units of 20 MW were to cut grid power use.
The report showed the Saudi pattern of public-private partnerships with long concessions, in which power consumption and on-site solar capacity were among the highlighted features of large reverse osmosis plants.
Source: Middle East Construction News