ACCIONA obtains ISO 50001 Energy Management Certification for Desalination Plants in Qatar
By
This certification is the first of its kind for ACCIONA, highlighting the company's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in the operation of desalination facilities
ACCIONA has obtained ISO 50001 energy management system certifications for the Umm Al Houl and Ras Abu Fontas 3 desalination plants in Qatar. The certifications are the first of its kind for ACCIONA internationally, highlighting the company's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in the operation of desalination facilities.
Both plants are operated by ACCIONA for Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), and have a drinking water supply capacity equivalent to 2.9m inhabitants. The Umm Al Houl plant has a capacity of more than 500,000cu/m per day, while the Ras Abu Fontas 3 plant supplies 165,000cu/m per day. These plants have the largest capacity certified by ACCIONA to date, solidifying their position as a key part of the country's water supply system and consolidating its transition to a low-CO2 economy.
The achievement is said to reflect ACCIONA's ongoing commitment to improving the energy performance of its facilities and implementing advanced technological solutions that enable more efficient and sustainable operations. Obtaining the internationally recognised ISO 50001 certification validates ACCIONA's energy efficiency policies, as well as its ongoing efforts to achieve the highest standards in operational management, it said.
Obtaining this certification is part of the renewal of the company's energy management system, first certified in 2012. It underscores energy efficiency as a key pillar in the development of transformative solutions for a low-carbon economy.
ACCIONA is a global company in the provision of regenerative solutions for a decarbonised economy. Offering solutions which includes renewable energy, water treatment and management, eco-efficient transportation and mobility systems, resilient infrastructures. The company has been carbon neutral since 2016 and has a business presence in more than 40 countries, the statement concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Qatar surpasses 300 fast EV chargers in nationwide push for green mobility
DOHA: Qatar has now installed over 300 fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the country, marking a major milestone in its transition toward sustainable transportation. The expansion of EV infrastructure reflects the nation's growing commitment to clean energy, reduced carbon emissions, and the goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) yesterday organized a community engagement initiative at the Kahramaa Awareness Park in Al Thumama. The event brought together electric vehicle (EV) owners and enthusiasts to share experiences, offer suggestions, and discuss the future of EV charging infrastructure in Qatar. During the event, Director of the Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department at Kahramaa Eng. Rashid Hussein Al-Rahimi, revealed that Qatar currently has over 300 fast EV chargers strategically installed across the country. He said that these chargers support a growing number of EV users, offering convenient, efficient charging solutions as part of the country's wider environmental goals. 'The aim of this initiative is to listen to the opinions and feedback of electric vehicle owners, so that we can improve the customer experience when it comes to EV charging. At Kahramaa, we laid the foundation for this infrastructure five years ago, and since then, we've felt the need to enhance this experience and increase the number of electric vehicle chargers,' said Al-Rahimi. He emphasized the importance of improving the customer experience by leveraging digital tools and public input. Al-Rahimi showcased Kahramaa's EV charging mobile application, which allows users to track charging progress, receive notifications, and access real-time data. 'This platform not only empowers users with greater control and convenience, but also enables us to monitor and optimize charger performance across the country,' he said. Beyond infrastructure development, Kahramaa is also actively working to foster a culture of sustainability through public outreach, dialogue, and collaboration. The event provided a space for EV users to voice their concerns and suggest improvements. Attendees shared both technical feedback and visionary ideas for future developments, underscoring the community's growing interest in clean transportation. Director of Public Relations at Kahramaa Mohammed Ali Al-Mohannadi, attended the event and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to public engagement and continuous improvement. He praised the high turnout and enthusiasm from participants, which highlighted the growing relevance of EVs in Qatar's transportation landscape. Looking ahead, Kahramaa plans to expand its charging network even further, especially in residential areas, malls, and public parking zones, to keep pace with the rising demand. These efforts are part of Qatar's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet the sustainability targets outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. With electric vehicles now playing a vital role in reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality, Kahramaa continues to position itself at the forefront of Qatar's green energy transition—ensuring that technology, infrastructure, and user needs move forward hand in hand. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Qatar strengthens water security through strategic planning, global partnerships
Doha: Qatar is well-positioned in terms of water security, thanks to the proactive vision of the nation's leadership, which began planning for water resilience more than two decades ago, said an official. Qatar operates from a position of strength, with comprehensive risk management frameworks and business continuity systems firmly in place,' said Head of the Water Control Section at Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) Eng Abdulhadi Masoud Al-Marri. Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the key focus areas include ensuring sufficient water availability to meet national needs and maintaining high water quality standards. Al-Marri also discussed current and future projects, water sources, the impact of climate change, technological innovations, and Qatar's role in global cooperation on water sustainability. As a country with no significant groundwater resources, he said Qatar relies almost entirely on seawater desalination for its freshwater supply. 'Currently, over 99.9% of Qatar's water comes from desalinated seawater, with less than 0.01% sourced from underground aquifers. The abundance of marine resources not only supports water production but also fuels other sectors such as energy and fisheries,' said Al-Marri. He noted that climate change poses new challenges. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns have led to higher seawater salinity, which in turn increases the energy required for desalination. Nevertheless, Qatar has anticipated these challenges and is actively implementing sustainability measures and environmental protection initiatives to adapt effectively. 'Qatar uses two primary desalination technologies: The thermal desalination method, where seawater is heated, condensed, and re-mineralised to produce potable water. The reverse osmosis (RO) method, which uses high-pressure filtration to separate salt and impurities from seawater,' said Al-Marri. He said that both methods are environmentally sound and safe, with RO being particularly favoured for its energy efficiency and future potential across the Gulf region. 'One of Qatar's most notable achievements in water management is the development of the largest strategic water reservoirs in the world, which have earned recognition from the Guinness World Records,' said Al-Marri. He said that these mega-reservoirs significantly enhance the country's ability to store and distribute water efficiently, allowing for seamless supply across all regions of Qatar. The water supply process is organised in three stages: strategic reservoirs store desalinated water long-term, operational reservoirs manage short-term supply and daily distribution, and water is then delivered to end users, including homes and businesses. This multi-tiered system ensures flexibility, reliability, and resilience in Qatar's water distribution network. Recognising that water security is a global issue, Qatar actively collaborates with international organizations such as the International Water Association (IWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Through these partnerships, Qatar gains access to the latest technologies, data, and policy insights. The country also participates in global conferences and exchanges scientific papers, which contribute to the development of advanced solutions in areas like pumping systems, water storage, valves, control technologies, and cybersecurity. Looking ahead, Qatar aims to expand national water storage capacity by constructing additional reservoirs, enhance remote-control systems and digital monitoring of water infrastructure and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across desalination and distribution facilities — a move already underway within Kahramaa. Qatar's water security strategy reflects a forward-thinking, sustainable approach that prioritises innovation, resilience, and global cooperation. Through long-term planning, strategic infrastructure, and public engagement, Qatar is not only meeting current demands but also preparing to face future environmental challenges with confidence. Qatar places strong emphasis on water conservation and public awareness. A dedicated department within Kahramaa has launched multiple projects focusing on behavioural change and sustainability education. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Zawya
Qatar: Kahramaa completes smart electricity meter installation
Doha: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has completed the installation of smart electricity meters across all regions of the country, marking a significant milestone in the national drive towards digital transformation in utility services. Senior Smart Meter Engineer in the Customer Services Department at Kahramaa Eng. Maryam Abdullah Muftah has said that 100% of electricity meters have now been replaced with smart meters, while 50% of water meter installations under the smart metering project have also been completed. Speaking to Qatar TV recently, she said: 'This is a major transformational project that aligns with Qatar National Vision,' Muftah stated. 'The smart metering system has ushered in a new era in how we provide electricity and water services in the country.' She said that Kahramaa launched the smart meter initiative in 2021, beginning with electricity meters. 'With full nationwide deployment now achieved, the focus has shifted to completing the installation of smart water meters, with plans to achieve full coverage in the near future,' said Muftah. She said that the benefits of the smart meter rollout are already evident in Kahramaa's service model. Muftah highlighted that all services related to metering—such as initiating or transferring accounts—can now be processed completely online, without the need for customers to visit service centres. She said that everything has become digital and easier, not only for customers but also for the service teams at Kahramaa. 'Customers can now track their electricity and water consumption in real time. They are also able to access and pay their bills through the Kahramaa website or mobile application. Additionally, they can request billing statements and monitor their usage patterns conveniently from their devices,' said Muftah. Beyond convenience, smart meters play a crucial role in ensuring fairness and combating violations. According to Muftah, the meters have been instrumental in detecting violations of electricity and water regulations. 'Fortunately, we've observed a high level of compliance recently,' said Muftah, noting that the monitoring systems at Kahramaa's control centres have proven effective in identifying irregularities. The smart meter project is part of Kahramaa's broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in line with Qatar's national objectives. The Smart Meters Project is a strategic mega initiative that includes over 12 sub-projects aimed at replacing all conventional meters with advanced digital meters for every consumer in Qatar. The ambitious plan targets full deployment of smart electricity meters by the end of 2025 and smart water meters by the end of 2027. These state-of-the-art smart meters are equipped with a wide range of features that enhance both user experience and operational efficiency. They allow real-time tracking of consumption, prepaid payment options, early fault detection at no extra cost, and faster property transfer and billing procedures. A dedicated mobile application informs customers of their consumption patterns, promoting better energy and water use management. At the core of the initiative lies a robust smart platform that forms the digital backbone for managing electricity and water data. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
