Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) and the Centre for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology (CMAT) at Khalifa University of Science and Technology have established a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve water treatment and resource management in the UAE.
The agreement creates a framework for both organizations. This framework will allow them to explore and evaluate advanced membrane technologies. It aims to improve water quality and optimize desalination operations. They will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in these efforts.
Pilot projects and knowledge exchange
Commitment to sustainable water management
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, noted that the MoU aligns with their objective to improve operational efficiency and ensure water security in the northern emirates of the UAE. He further indicated that combining Khalifa University’s research capabilities with EtihadWE’s practical experience would promote sustainable water management.
Enhancing educational opportunities
The partnership is expected to involve students and create job opportunities through internships, research projects, and employment for graduates. Khalifa University plans to incorporate real-world case studies into its curriculum to enhance the educational experience.
Strengthening collaborative efforts
Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, president of Khalifa University, expressed satisfaction with the strengthened collaboration through the MoU, emphasizing its importance in enhancing water treatment and resource management in the UAE. He highlighted the significant advancements made by their Centre for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology in desalination and sustainable water management, and he believes this collaboration will foster knowledge exchange in a critical sector for the UAE and lead to new technological innovations.
EtihadWE, recognized as a leader in desalination innovation, is contributing to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 through this partnership and other initiatives. Also, the Naqa’a desalination plant is one of the largest in the world. It utilizes advanced seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology. Moreover, this technology caters to the water needs of approximately two million residents each year.
Energy efficiency and leak reduction
The facility employs innovative technologies. These include Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Pressure Exchanger (PX) systems. As a result, it achieves a reduction in electrical energy consumption by over 60 percent. Additionally, EtihadWE is committed to minimizing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) leaks by employing advanced tools, including SmartBall, data loggers, and acoustic inspection technologies. Moreover, the implementation of District Metering enhances leak detection and resolution, thereby improving water security across the network.
Real-world research applications
Dr. Shadi W. Hasan, director of the Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology at Khalifa University, highlighted that this partnership represents a significant step in applying cutting-edge research to address real-world water management challenges. He further emphasized that integrating advanced membrane technologies with AI-driven optimization could lead to unprecedented efficiency and sustainability in desalination, securing a stable water future for the UAE.
Hands-on approach to innovation
Additionally, through this MoU, research from Khalifa University will be directly applied to EtihadWE’s operational projects, allowing for real-world testing and scaling of new solutions. This hands-on approach is also expected to refine technologies and operational practices within desalination facilities and water infrastructure.
Leading the way in water technology
CMAT is also focused on commercializing eco-friendly nanocomposite membranes and graphene-based biosensors for rapid virus detection. In addition, these advancements, along with technologies for heavy metal removal and oil/water separation, highlight Khalifa University’s dedication to sustainable, high-performance solutions that tackle global water challenges and industrial needs.
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