Why does Saudi Arabia desalinate much of its drinking water?

Water scarcity: Saudi Arabia is an arid country with limited freshwater resources. Most of the country's water supply comes from desalination, a process that removes salt from seawater. This process is energy-intensive but necessary to meet the country's water needs.

Population growth: Saudi Arabia's population is growing rapidly, which puts a strain on the country's water supply. The government estimates that the population will reach 35 million by 2030. This will increase the demand for water by 25%, making it even more important to desalinate seawater.

Industrial development: Saudi Arabia's economy is growing rapidly, and this growth is driving up the demand for water. Industries such as oil production, petrochemicals, and manufacturing all require large amounts of water. Desalination is essential for meeting the needs of these industries.

Climate change: Climate change is expected to make water shortages worse in Saudi Arabia. The country is already experiencing rising temperatures and more frequent droughts. These changes are expected to reduce the amount of water available from traditional sources, making it even more important to desalinate seawater.