First Energy Recovery Plant Outside US to Open in Saudi Arabia

Energy Recovery Inc. will establish its first manufacturing facility outside the US in Saudi Arabia, with local production of energy recovery devices (ERDs) scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, according to the Saudi Water Authority.

The facility will produce up to 2,000 units annually, exceeding the Kingdom's estimated yearly demand of around 1,200 units. Approximately 40% of production is expected to be exported to markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa and Asia.

Energy recovery devices improve the efficiency of desalination plants by reducing energy consumption and operating costs. The Saudi Water Authority said local manufacturing will reduce reliance on imports, improve supply chain resilience and accelerate the delivery of equipment needed to support the Kingdom's water infrastructure.

According to the authority, the project represents a market opportunity worth more than SAR 547 million, including around SAR 247 million in Saudi Arabia and SR300 million across Middle East and North Africa markets. By 2033, the facility is expected to contribute approximately SAR 137 million to Saudi Arabia's GDP, create more than 50 direct jobs and achieve over 80% local content across the product's value chain.

The project was developed through collaboration between the Saudi Water Authority, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority as part of efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and strengthen the Kingdom's advanced desalination technology sector.