RIYADH: Countries across the world, particularly in Southern Europe, will soon need to tap into the the Arabian peninsula’s desalination expertise, according to leading strategist Henrik von Scheel.
Speaking at the Future of Desalination International Conference in Riyadh on Sept. 13, von Scheel warned that Europe, particularly the south of the continent, has been using too much groundwater, and as a result needs desalination processes.
He said: “The Arabian Peninsula has been investing heavily in desalination because they have no other choice. Today, they have the expertise, and today the world is desperately in need to leverage that expertise and consuming some of it.”
During his speech, von Scheel noted that Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corp. has a crucial role to play in the future of desalination.
“You all see SWCC as a buyer. But I see SWCC as a main player in the desalination sector in the next few years,” said von Scheel.
He claimed Saudi Arabia has the expertise, capability and willingness to take the lead in the desalination sector.
He added: “Saudi Arabia’s efforts will make desalination cheaper, smaller, more customized for the smaller regions that are islands. We can also make it bigger, and more customized for the regions where there is a need for renewable economic generators. We have to be broad on this.”
Talking about the vitality of embracing local production, he said: “If you are serious about saving the environment, we need to rethink our focus on globalization and growth.
“Globalization is a drug most of us are addicted to. We need to focus on local production to ensure zero footprints.”
Hosted by Saudi Arabia from Sept. 11-13 in Riyadh, the Future of Desalination International Conference aims to discuss opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in the desalination sector.
Policymakers, developers, contractors, researchers and innovators will attend to discuss the sector’s future.
