Veolia, one of the global leaders in environmental services, has signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with major players in Saudi Arabia’s industrial development:
- Acwa, a global private water desalination company
- Ma’aden, a major player in Saudi Arabia’s mining industry
- Khazeen, a subsidiary of GASCO specialising in LPG storage
The agreements establish a framework for greater cooperation in water technologies and hazardous waste treatment. They support key Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, including resource conservation, the circular economy and decarbonisation, while strengthening local environmental expertise and capabilities.
“Environmental security has become an essential condition for the sovereignty, competitiveness and strategic autonomy of territories,” said Estelle Brachlianoff, chief executive officer of Veolia. “In Saudi Arabia, this involves the ability to preserve every drop of water, decarbonise industrial development and turn waste into resources.”
Optimising the desalination value chain with Acwa Power
The MoU with Acwa Power aims to improve the design and performance of seawater desalination plants through greater energy efficiency, optimised chemical use, improved water quality and the deployment of advanced technical, digital and operational practices.
Building on previous projects at some of the region’s most efficient desalination plants, the collaboration could benefit Acwa Power’s existing and future projects, which currently have a combined capacity of 9.7 million cubic m per day. Potential emissions reductions could reach 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, while also reducing operating costs and strengthening regional water security.
Rethinking mining’s supply chain with Ma’aden
The agreement with Ma’aden focuses on water and industrial waste management in the mining sector. Veolia will apply water treatment technologies to optimise processes, particularly through industrial water treatment and reuse.
The partnership will also explore opportunities to reduce waste at source, recover materials and create new circular economy loops through improved resource recovery and treatment.
Decarbonising Khazeen’s strategic infrastructure
The agreement with Khazeen, a GASCO subsidiary specialising in liquefied petroleum gas storage, will support the company’s decarbonisation objectives through environmental technologies for industrial water treatment and hazardous waste management.
It will also explore an integrated facility management offering covering water, energy and waste management for Khazeen’s clients.
Veolia’s work in Saudi Arabia
Veolia has operated in Saudi Arabia since 1975, supporting essential infrastructure through its expertise in water, waste and energy. The group has worked for decades in Jubail, the world’s largest industrial complex, treating industrial wastewater for major petrochemical companies.
Through solutions covering industrial water reuse, hazardous waste management and energy efficiency, Veolia aims to support the kingdom’s environmental security while contributing to its competitiveness and communities.
