Transforming Water Scarcity into Abundance: ATESS Energy Storage and Solar-Powered Desalination in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia faces a severe water scarcity crisis. The country’s annual water consumption reaches 30 billion cubic meters, while it produces only about 2 billion cubic meters of surface water each year. As a result, seawater desalination has become essential for supplying water, especially in urban and industrial areas. Yet, this solution is energy-intensive and largely powered by fossil fuels, which adds both economic and environmental costs. To address these challenges, ATESS has introduced an innovative solar-powered energy storage solution designed to make desalination more sustainable and accessible.

The Energy Challenge of Desalination

Desalination plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s water supply, especially in regions with limited natural freshwater sources. However, desalination plants are power-intensive and often require substantial electricity, a problem in remote coastal deserts far from public power grids. In these areas, diesel generators are usually the only viable option, leading to high operational costs and significant carbon emissions. Recognizing this issue, ATESS has developed an off-grid energy storage system powered by solar energy. This system combines battery storage with photovoltaic (PV) systems, turning Saudi Arabia’s abundant sunlight into a reliable power source for desalination.

ATESS’s Containerized Solution for Harsh Desert Conditions

One example of ATESS’s innovation is a desalination plant located in a desert region without access to the utility grid. The plant operates 24/7 to supply fresh water, powered by a 950 kWp PV array and an ATESS containerized energy storage system. The storage solution includes two 40-foot containers, housing two ATESS PCS500 bi-directional inverters (with a combined 1 MW capacity) and seventeen ATESS BR215R battery racks, forming a 3.66 MW lithium-ion battery system.

At the heart of the system is the ATESS Power Conversion System (PCS), which manages energy distribution between the PV system, battery storage, and desalination operations based on demand. A backup PCS500 unit ensures uninterrupted operation if the primary unit fails, minimizing the risk of downtime. The system’s durability is enhanced to withstand extreme desert conditions, including high temperatures, dust, and sandstorms. ATESS’s containers feature IP54-rated compartments for control units and IP65-rated compartments for batteries, along with custom rock wool insulation for temperature control, allowing for consistent operation in harsh climates.

Smart Energy Management

ATESS’s system reduces reliance on fossil fuels by primarily using solar energy and battery storage. During daylight hours, the PV array powers the desalination plant, with any excess energy stored in the battery for nighttime use. If battery levels fall below a certain threshold, the system seamlessly switches to Diesel Generator (DG) Mode. In this mode, a generator supplies power and recharges the battery, shutting off once the battery is full. This setup minimizes fossil fuel use, extends generator life, and lowers operational costs.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The ATESS solution brings both economic and environmental advantages. By harnessing Saudi Arabia’s vast solar resources, the system reduces dependence on costly fossil fuels, leading to lower operational costs. Furthermore, by replacing a portion of the plant’s fossil fuel consumption with solar power, carbon emissions are reduced by around 890 tons annually. This reduction aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals for sustainable development and environmental protection, supporting the country’s shift toward a greener future.

A Model for Sustainable Water Management

This project showcases the potential of renewable energy to address water scarcity. By combining ATESS’s energy storage technology with solar power, Saudi Arabia is addressing the twin challenges of water and energy scarcity. The project sets a new standard for sustainable water management in arid regions and aligns with global trends in renewable energy adoption. Beyond meeting immediate water needs, it serves as a blueprint for other regions facing similar resource challenges.

Through its innovative energy storage and solar-powered desalination solution, ATESS is helping Saudi Arabia transition toward a sustainable water supply model. This approach tackles water scarcity while advancing renewable energy and environmental sustainability goals. The ATESS system not only addresses pressing water needs in Saudi Arabia but also provides a framework for similar projects worldwide, transforming water scarcity into abundance and highlighting the transformative power of renewable energy in building resilient communities.