Red Sea Global and ACWA Power create more than 20 acres of new wetlands in line with Saudi Arabia’s climate action

Biodiversity solution will eventually treat 16,000m3 of wastewater a day and create a natural carbon sink.

Dubai, 4 Dec, 2023: Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, has partnered with Saudi-listed ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company and leader in energy transition, to develop more than 20 acres (83,367m2) of new wetlands through its sustainable approach to utilities.

The announcement was made today at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum and contributes to the Oil Sustainability Program’s effort to spearhead a sustainable and reliable materials transition that supports the implementation of polymer based solutions in the building and infrastrustructure sectors. The program is also leading a national initiative for constructed wetland development in the Kingdom, due to its advantages to sustainable biodiversity, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative goals. The wastewater facility at The Red Sea destination recently reached the the milestone of treating 8,000m3 of effluent every day and its wetlands are now regularly attracting wildlife including Barn Swallows, Blue Rock Thrushes and Black Winged Kites.

Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer at ACWA Power, said: ““Being at the forefront of the energy transition in the utilities sector, we are delighted to collaborate with like-minded partners such as Red Sea Global in this unique wetland initiative. We always look for potential of new sustainability solutions, and this project proves how a power and water firm can make a difference and actively contribute to circular economy solutions.”

The wetland approach to sewage treatment starts at the screening stage to remove solid matter. After this, effluent is sent to the 20 acre wetland site made up of phragmite plants, a type of common reed, which naturally absorb the nutrients and metals, treating the water without the need for chemicals. 

Once treated and meeting the national regulation for water quality, the Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) is transferred to RSG’s Landscape Nursery, the largest in the Middle East at more than 1,000,000m2, to irrigate the trees and shrubs. To date, more than five million plants have been grown to landscape its destinations, and 30 million will be grown by 2030.

When the phragmite reeds grow too long or stop effective water treatment, they are pruned and the ends are sent to an Integrated Waste Management Facility. Here they are recycled and with other waste materials, made into bricks for the destination.

The project showcases the Oil Sustainability Program’s continuous innovation in supporting the transition to renewable energy and reduced CO2 emissions, ensuring a reliable and diverse energy supply, and creating a variety of sustainable and reliable polymer-based applications that safeguard  standards and development requirments.

Mohammad Al Tayyar, Program Director, the Oil Sustainability Program, said: “Constructed wetlands are an ecological, polymer-based, sustainable solution for water treatment that have great advantages over conventional treatment methods. The advantages are evident in terms of CO2 sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and localization of advanced materials, showcasing the constructed wetland’s environmental and economic edge compared to other solutions. This is considered the largest municipal domestic wastewater facility in the world powered solely by renewable energy. However, to make this achievement possible, innovative materials such as liners and piping are integral in our work towards establishing sustainable solutions for the future. ”

By mid-2024, the sewage treatment facility will reach its ultimate design capacity of treating 16,000m3 of waste water per day, which will lead to 40 acres (170,000m2) of new nature-based carbon solutions being constructed.

The Red Sea destination recently welcomed its first guests. Two of its hotels are open for bookings and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of flights since September. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.