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Using forward-osmosis principles and specially engineered membranes, the technology enables the extraction of valuable minerals such as salt, lithium and bromine, while simultaneously recovering desalinated water from seawater or brackish brine. The system operates at just 7 kWh per cubic metre, compared to 75-80 kWh\/m\u00b3 in conventional thermal systems.<\/p>\n
The process begins with standard seawater reverse osmosis, where chemically embedded membranes capture over 99% of targeted minerals. The brine then passes through a two-stage brackish water reverse-osmosis system that isolates and concentrates the minerals to a purity of 99.5% or more.<\/p>\n
The pilot plant, located at the Duba Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia, operates at a capacity of 1,200m\u00b3 per day and has demonstrated strong performance under real-world conditions, with a technology readiness level of six.<\/p>\n
Beyond reducing environmental impact and operating costs, the innovation has the potential to redefine the economics of desalination by enabling mineral recovery at scale.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe global water crisis threatens health, food security and economic development. By investing in advanced water technologies and fostering collaboration among governments, the private sector and innovators, we can find effective, sustainable solutions for billions affected,\u201d said Dr Noura Chehab, Head of the Research & Innovation Team at the NEOM Water Innovation Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cReceiving this award recognises our team\u2019s years of work and inspires us to continue advancing technologies that enhance ocean water use and help solve critical water challenges for a more sustainable future,\u201d said Dr Nikolay Voutchkov, Executive Director of the NEOM Water Innovation Center.<\/p>\n