This project demonstrates how cross-sector innovation and collaboration can reduce emissions, optimize costs, and accelerate sustainability.
While steel production and water desalination might appear to be unrelated activities, the Sohar industrial hub has demonstrated their potential for synergy.
The Sohar 4 IWP plant, managed by Sacyr Water, requires CO₂ to stabilize the pH of the treated water, prevent scaling in distribution networks, and ensure safe water suitable for human, agricultural, and industrial applications.
Traditionally, CO₂ is sourced from external suppliers, incurring high economic and energy costs. The presence of large industrial emitters within the hub itself presented an opportunity for a more efficient solution: capturing CO₂ at its source and reusing it locally.
Industrial Symbiosis: Environmental and Economic Impact
This initiative, spearheaded by Abdullah Al Sadi, Operations Service Director at the Sohar plant, transforms an industrial emission into a key resource for water treatment. This model of industrial symbiosis reduces emissions at their source, enhances the quality of the treated water, and optimizes operating costs.
"The use of captured CO₂ allows us to improve water quality while reducing emissions directly at their source," explains Al Sadi.
The project received Sacyr's 2025 Natural Innovators Award, in the 'We Are Excellence' category.
Operational Efficiency
The Sohar 4 IWP plant produces approximately 250,000 m³ of water daily. It currently consumes around seven tons of CO₂ per day, with projections to reach 12 tons in the coming years.
Local CO₂ capture virtually eliminates logistics costs and reduces CO₂ costs by approximately 40%.
Reduced Carbon Footprint and Chemical Usage
While the process does not reduce the energy required for desalination, it significantly lowers the carbon footprint of the treated water by substituting externally sourced fossil-based CO₂ with CO₂ captured from local industry.
Furthermore, the use of captured CO₂ reduces the need for other chemicals like hydrated lime, carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate, and optimizes chlorine usage. These benefits collectively lead to a lower environmental impact, reduced operating costs, and more efficient water chemistry.
This approach also provides access to regulatory advantages, fosters greater social acceptance, and strengthens our competitive position in markets with increasing demands for sustainability.
Looking to the Future
After two years of development, the project is now entering a new stage focused on consolidating pilots, obtaining permits, and scaling up to commercial solutions that can be replicated in other industrial environments.
This is another example of how innovation and cross-sector collaboration can transform significant environmental challenges into shared opportunities.
