Page 52 - BENTLEY SYSTEMS PR REPORT - March 2025

About 21,000 desalination facilities are in use worldwide, with the biggest one being the Ras Al-
Khair Power and Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia, which processes 1.4 million cubic metres per
day. Although desalination requires more energy than other water treatment methods (roughly three
kWh per cubic metre as opposed to freshwater supplies, which use 0.2 kWh per cubic metre or
less, according to the Electrical Power Research Institute), its advantages outweigh the
disadvantages in regions with limited freshwater resources.

Andrea DuMont, Senior Industry Strategist at Bentley Systems
Role of Technology in Desalination

Technology now plays a significant part in this mission as well. AI has enormous potential to
enhance working environments and can be used to help optimise the maintenance of water assets.

https://www.utilities-me.com/opinion/discover-desalination-understanding-emerging-trends-in-
seawater