Aramco advances US$940 million Zuluf water treatment expansion with Almar Water Solutions

Aramco has selected Almar Water Solutions to expand the Zuluf Water Treatment Project through a US$940 million second phase that will significantly increase treated water capacity for industrial injection. The development supports long-term energy infrastructure while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s investment in sustainable industrial water management.

Aramco has awarded Almar Water Solutions the expansion of the Zuluf Water Treatment Project, with the second phase expected to reach financial close subject to customary conditions, according to an official announcement. The expansion will be implemented through the existing special purpose vehicle (SPV) under an extension of the current contractual framework, with the joint venture comprising Almar Water Solutions and Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company.

The second phase represents an investment of approximately US$940 million and will add a new water treatment facility capable of processing around 308,000 cubic meters of water per day, equivalent to approximately 1.9 million barrels daily. The additional capacity is intended to increase the supply of treated water for industrial injection operations supporting upstream oil production. The expansion follows the first phase of the Zuluf Water Treatment Plant, commissioned in 2023 with a treatment capacity of 185,000 cubic meters per day.

The project will continue to operate under a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) concession model extending until 2050. Almar Water Solutions will oversee the project's technical, financial, and operational execution, ensuring long-term delivery of treated water infrastructure for industrial applications.

The expansion highlights continued investment in water infrastructure that supports large-scale oil and gas production while reducing pressure on conventional freshwater resources. Industrial water treatment has become an increasingly important component of energy infrastructure as producers seek reliable water supplies for field operations and enhanced operational efficiency.

Almar Water Solutions is an international developer and operator of water infrastructure projects and is part of Jameel Environmental Services. The company develops desalination, wastewater treatment, and industrial water facilities across multiple international markets through long-term public and private partnerships.