Saudi Water Authority Launches World-First Project for High-Purity Calcium Carbonate Production

The Saudi Water Authority (SWA), through its research division, the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA), has embarked on an innovative initiative leveraging advanced technology to optimize the utilization of cement plant by-products (fly ash) and desalination wastewater. This initiative aims to produce high-purity calcium carbonate (vaterite) with an impressive 97% purity, marking a pioneering effort globally in environmental conservation and the promotion of circular economy principles. Aligned with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, the project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Central to this groundbreaking effort is the "zero brine return" technology, a cornerstone of SWA's strategy to enhance the efficiency of brine wastewater utilization within the Saline Water Conversion Corporation's (SWCC) production systems. By integrating by-products from cement factories with brine wastewater, this process not only drives environmental innovation but also bolsters sustainable economic development through technological advancements.

The project is the culmination of a collaborative research effort involving SWA's WTIIRA, South Korea's Taekyung Group, and Korea National University. This partnership was characterized by extensive cooperation in engineering design, research, and feasibility studies. In 2023, a pilot unit was successfully developed in South Korea and underwent rigorous operational testing over six months, validating its optimal performance.

SWA envisions substantial economic benefits, aiming to contribute up to SAR 1.5 billion annually to Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2030 through the extraction of valuable metals and salts from brine wastewater. The project also includes the extraction of high-purity bromine, sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium sulfate, essential raw materials for industries spanning oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, construction, food, and chemicals.

The initiative underscores SWA's broader objectives of environmental preservation and economic sustainability. By harnessing advanced technologies to repurpose industrial waste products, SWA not only mitigates environmental impact but also fosters the creation of new economic opportunities. This dual-focus approach demonstrates how innovative solutions can effectively address both ecological challenges and economic imperatives simultaneously.

In conclusion, SWA's effort to leverage fly ash and desalination wastewater marks a significant step towards achieving its sustainability objectives. The successful implementation of this project not only sets a benchmark for similar initiatives worldwide but also underscores the potential of innovative solutions to contribute to environmental protection while catalyzing economic growth.

Calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring calcium salt, is commonly employed as a food additive, antacid, phosphate binder, or dietary supplement. In pharmaceutical applications, it proves beneficial for managing specific digestive issues like GERD and acid reflux.