10

Mar 2026

Chemical Engineering Seminar

Low‑Energy Desalination at Scale

 

Abstract

Rapid population growth, coupled with the escalating impacts of climate change, is exerting unprecedented pressure on global freshwater resources. Ensuring long-term water security therefore requires an integrated portfolio of solutions, including water harvesting, wastewater treatment and reuse, demand-side efficiency, and recycling technologies. Within this portfolio, desalination represents a critical pillar for mitigating water scarcity and enabling sustainable water supply, particularly in arid and water-stressed regions.

ACWA is currently the world’s largest private desalination operator, producing approximately 9.3 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day. Over the past decade, the company has achieved a step-change reduction in desalination energy intensity, lowering specific energy consumption from approximately 22 kWh/m³ to less than 3 kWh/m³—an 87% reduction. This improvement delivers both substantial economic benefits and a significant reduction in environmental footprint.
Technology innovation has been embedded in ACWA’s operational and strategic approach since its inception and remains central to its continued success. The company’s R&D efforts are focused on producing desalinated water reliably, responsibly, and at low cost. While extensive research has been devoted to developing next-generation membranes with enhanced permeability and selectivity, the resulting gains in energy efficiency have been incremental. This underscores the need for a paradigm shift in desalination research, moving beyond component-level advances toward holistic system design and process optimization. Through continuous technology validation, adaptation, and operational innovation, ACWA is contributing to the reshaping of the global desalination landscape.

Biography

Dr. Ratul Das is the Executive Manager for Innovation and New Technology and Head of Desalination R&D at ACWA Power. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and was a postdoctoral fellow at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Ratul is a recognized expert in desalination. He is responsible for the development and execution of ACWA Power's Desalination R&D Roadmap, focusing on innovative technology assessment, testing, process optimization, and developing advanced simulation and performance models. He skillfully integrates process modeling, data engineering, and artificial intelligence to achieve tangible advancements and maintain a competitive edge. He is also a valued contributor to the field, with over 20 journal articles, numerous patents, and presentations at conferences worldwide.

Event Quick Information

Date
10 Mar, 2026
Time
12:00 PM - 12:40 PM
Venue
KAUST, Bldg. 9, Level 2, Lecture Hall 1