Technology

EEIC (Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company), a Ghobash Group enterprise, and UAE-based Emerald Ecotechnologies LLC have successfully concluded their participation at the MENA Desalination Exhibition, where they showcased the AQUACHLOR® Mixed Oxidants technology as an advanced solution for sustainable water disinfection across desalination, potable water, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Held on June 3–4, the exhibition provided a platform for the two companies to demonstrate how the technology can help utilities and water operators reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and minimize dependence on hazardous chlorine-based chemicals.

The joint presentation highlighted the growing need for innovative and sustainable water treatment solutions as countries across the GCC continue investing heavily in desalination and water infrastructure projects to meet rising demand and strengthen long-term water security.

The showcased technology aligns with the objectives of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which emphasizes sustainable water management, resilient infrastructure, and improved operational efficiency.

A major reference project presented during the exhibition was the NAQAA Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Plant in Umm Al Quwain, one of the UAE’s significant water infrastructure developments. The facility has a potable water treatment capacity of approximately 684,000 cubic metres per day.

AQUACHLOR® has been selected as a replacement for conventional chlorine dioxide disinfection systems at the plant, with deployment scheduled later this year. According to project data presented at the exhibition, the technology is expected to deliver a 91 per cent reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX) while maintaining effective residual disinfection performance and producing potable water that meets World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

The solution also helps eliminate the formation of harmful disinfection by-products such as bromate, chlorate, and chlorite, which are commonly associated with traditional chemical treatment methods.

Speaking during the exhibition, Petr Gnatyuk, Chief Executive Officer of Emerald Ecotechnologies, highlighted the increasing demand for safer and more cost-effective alternatives to conventional chlorine and chlorine dioxide disinfection systems.

“As utilities across the region continue modernising water infrastructure and expanding desalination capacity, there is growing interest in technologies that provide stronger disinfection performance while simplifying operations and reducing lifecycle costs,” he said.

Gnatyuk noted that many operators are seeking solutions that reduce the need for transporting and storing hazardous chemicals while improving operational efficiency and safety.

Ramiz Parbalkar, Head of the Water Technology Business Unit at EEIC, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in advanced water infrastructure investment and the increasing importance of sustainable operational practices.

“The UAE continues to lead regional investment in advanced water infrastructure and desalination projects, with an increasing focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term water security,” he said.

“As an EPC company supporting complex utility and infrastructure projects across the region, EEIC works closely with operators to integrate practical and scalable technologies into critical water infrastructure. Through our partnership with Emerald Ecotechnologies, we demonstrated solutions that help reduce chemical dependency, lower operating costs, and enhance operational safety.”

Beyond cost savings, AQUACHLOR® supports broader industry objectives by reducing disinfection by-products, improving biofilm control within water distribution networks, and minimizing risks associated with the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.

The MENA Desalination Exhibition provided both companies with an opportunity to engage directly with industry stakeholders seeking innovative approaches to optimize water treatment operations and strengthen infrastructure resilience.

Following the successful showcase, EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies plan to accelerate the deployment of advanced mixed oxidant technologies across the GCC, supporting the development of safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable utility infrastructure.

As regional governments continue prioritizing water security and sustainable resource management, technologies such as AQUACHLOR® are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the next generation of desalination and water treatment facilities across the Middle East.

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