Saudi Arabia is set to become the first country outside the United States to manufacture Energy Recovery Devices (ERDs), marking a major milestone in the localization of advanced water technologies and strengthening the Kingdom’s desalination industry.
According to the Saudi Water Authority, the new facility will manufacture one of the world’s most specialized desalination technologies locally, reducing reliance on imports while improving supply chain resilience and supporting national water security.
Production to Begin Next Year
Commercial production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year, with an annual production capacity of 2,000 units.
The factory is expected to meet domestic demand, estimated at around 1,200 units annually, while exporting approximately 40% of its production to Gulf countries, Africa, and Asia, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional manufacturing hub for advanced water technologies.
Improving Desalination Efficiency
Energy Recovery Devices are essential components in modern reverse osmosis desalination plants, helping recover hydraulic energy during the desalination process.
Their use significantly reduces electricity consumption, lowers operating costs, improves plant efficiency, and enhances the reliability of water production systems.
Local manufacturing will also shorten supply chains and accelerate equipment availability for desalination projects across the Kingdom.
Economic Impact and Localization
The market opportunity for Energy Recovery Devices is estimated at approximately SAR 547 million.
The project is expected to contribute around SAR 137 million to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2033 while creating more than 50 direct jobs.
It is also projected to achieve more than 80% localization across the product’s value chain, supporting technology transfer and the development of specialized national expertise in desalination manufacturing.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Strategy
The project is the result of cooperation between the Saudi Water Authority, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.
By bringing this advanced manufacturing capability to the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen domestic industry, enhance water security, and establish itself as a regional center for innovative water and desalination technologies.
