Synergizing Cost Optimization and Environmental Engineering in Water Desalination: Best Practices for Sustainable Project Management

This study evaluates desalination technologies’ environmental and economic performance by comparing the Ras AlKhair and Shoaiba desalination plants in Saudi Arabia. The primary objective is to integrate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and cost analysis to assess the sustainability of Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi-Stage Flash (MSF), and hybrid desalination systems. The results reveal significant differences in energy consumption, global warming potential (GWP), brine disposal management, and resource depletion. Using a hybrid RO/MSF system, Ras Al-Khair demonstrates substantially lower energy demands (3–5 kWh/m³) and a reduced carbon footprint, capturing 300,000 tons of CO₂ annually. In contrast, Shoaiba’s MSF system, relying on crude oil for power generation, generates higher energy consumption (13–15 kWh/m³) and 8.2 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. The economic analysis highlights Ras Al-Khair’s higher initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) of $7.6 billion but lower operational costs ($0.65/m³) and a faster break-even period (12 years) compared to Shoaiba’s $1.60/m³ cost and a break-even period of 18 years. The study emphasizes integrating energy recovery, carbon capture, and renewable energy solutions in sustainable desalination practices to address global water scarcity while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing economic feasibility.