Toray supplies RO membranes for Saudi’s Shuaibah 3 plant, enabling eco-friendly desalination aligned with Vision 2030 sustainability goals.
Toray Industries, Inc. has announced its role in supplying advanced reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to the Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project (IWP), a major seawater desalination facility located in western Saudi Arabia. This project was executed through Toray Membrane Middle East LLC, the company’s Dammam-based subsidiary. The plant boasts an impressive daily production capacity of 600,000 cubic meters of potable water, serving key cities such as Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, and Bahah. These urban centers have seen rising demand for clean water, driven by population growth and increased tourism activity.
The Shuaibah 3 IWP marks a significant step forward in sustainable infrastructure, transforming what was once an energy-intensive, high-emission thermal desalination facility into a modern, eco-conscious plant that uses RO membrane technology. The integration of a solar power system delivering a peak output of 65 megawatts enables the plant to drastically reduce its environmental footprint. It is estimated that the new system will slash carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 45 million tons annually and cut crude oil consumption by around 22 million barrels each year.
This initiative plays a vital role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at driving sustainable development and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Toray’s contribution to this next-generation desalination project reflects its long-term commitment to advancing water treatment technologies that promote environmental sustainability in the Middle East and globally.
The company's selection for this transformative project highlights its leadership in membrane innovation and reliability in providing comprehensive solutions for water treatment needs. With an extensive product portfolio that includes reverse osmosis membranes, ultrafiltration systems, and membrane bioreactor modules, Toray addresses diverse applications ranging from drinking water production to industrial and agricultural wastewater treatment and reuse.
To reinforce its regional presence, Toray is expanding operations through its newly established Middle East Water Treatment Technical Center. This center aims to enhance the company's technical support, production efficiency, and customer service capabilities across the region. By doing so, Toray aligns its efforts with Saudi Arabia’s goals for industrial localization and environmentally sustainable development, as well as with its own Toray Vision 2030, which outlines a roadmap for sustainable business growth.
As water demand continues to surge in the Middle East due to industrial expansion and demographic growth, Toray remains committed to delivering high-performance membrane solutions. The company aims to help mitigate water scarcity challenges and foster resilient water infrastructure systems worldwide.
Located in Shuaibah, Saudi Arabia, the desalination plant has a daily capacity of 600,000 m³. It is owned by Shuaibah Three Water Desalination Company, with ACWA Power as the major shareholder. Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd. from South Korea is the construction contractor.
