Plans for a massive desalination plant in Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city under construction, appear to be on hold. The $1.5 billion project, which was announced in 2022, aimed to provide a crucial source of clean water for the ambitious development.
However, according to recent reports, a joint development agreement (JDA) for the project expired and was not renewed, leading to the project’s cancellation. The plant, designed to be a state-of-the-art seawater reverse osmosis facility, was expected to supply up to 30% of Neom’s future water needs.
Neom officials have not yet publicly commented on the project’s status. The city remains under construction, and it’s unclear how they plan to meet its water needs without the desalination plant. Some speculate that this might be a sign of the project being scaled back. However, Saudi Arabia’s Economy Minister has dismissed such reports.
Neom is a highly ambitious megaproject envisioned as a global hub for innovation and technology. The desalination plant was a critical piece of the puzzle, intended to provide a sustainable water source for the desert city. Its cancellation raises questions about the project’s overall timeline and feasibility.
