Posco/ACC win scheme to refill Abu Dhabi’s aquifers

The EPC contract for a groundbreaking project in Abu Dhabi to replenish desert aquifers has been awarded to a consortium including Posco and the Arabian Construction Company.

The scheme will inject 7 MIGD (31,815m3/d) of water into the Liwa aquifer, with the capacity to supply Abu Dhabi city and the surrounding area with up to 40 MIGD (181,800m3/d) of water in emergencies. The project will largely be supplied by the Shuweihat 1 desalination plant.

This is the largest aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) project in the Middle East, and is seen as a bellwether for future storage development in the region. It will provide a backup water supply in an area that relies heavily on desalinated water, according to water project department manager Fady Naja at client ADWEA.

Experts have predicted the new plan could increase the emergency supply level in Abu Dhabi to 90 days, from 2-3 days at present.