ACWA Power: Cost of desalinated water drops to less than $1

Over the past 15 years, desalination technologies have reduced the energy costs for producing one cubic meter (1000 liters) of water from 15 to 2.7 kWh, ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli said at a panel discussion within the 2nd International Water Exhibition and Conference Baku Water Week, Report informs.

He noted that this means energy savings of more than 80%: "As a result, the cost price, which previously amounted to $3-4, has now dropped to a level significantly below $1 per cubic meter."

Arcelli believes that many countries and politicians do not take timely measures to eliminate water shortages.

He emphasized that water is a resource that people often consider free of charge, and it is this approach that leads to delays in proper management: "Many politicians wait for a moment of crisis to take real action. Therefore, I highly appreciate Azerbaijan's statement at the COP on the central role of water."

Arcelli also noted the important role of the private sector in this process, stressing that ACWA Power works closely with governments to find solutions and is the largest provider of desalination technology in the world.

"We are currently operating in four countries, and soon this number will reach six. Our desalination capacity is more than 9 million cubic meters per day. Here we offer innovative solutions. The company has won all of the last seven tenders," he said.