Key components arrive at King Saud University demonstration site DESOLINATION moves closer to validation of the CSP-desalination system with the arrival of critical system components at our demonstration site at King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia. This marks a major step forward in bringing our innovative combined CSP and…
DESOLINATION project reaches major milestone in Saudi Arabia
Key components arrive at King Saud University demonstration site
DESOLINATION moves closer to validation of the CSP-desalination system with the arrival of critical system components at our demonstration site at King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia. This marks a major step forward in bringing our innovative combined CSP and desalination technology closer to operation. The full demonstration plant is expected to be running from February 2026 onwards.
Adaptive coupling container on site
The first container, housing the Adaptive Coupling system, has successfully arrived at KSU and is currently awaiting connection. The Adaptive Coupling is a sophisticated control and integration system that dynamically manages the energy flows between multiple subsystems. It acts as the “intelligent bridge” that optimally stores and distributes thermal energy between the supercritical CO₂ CSP power cycle, the air Brayton CSP power cycle and the desalination unit, controlling heat transfers between subsystems of the plant.
Heat exchanger installation complete
In March 2025, the DESOLINATION heat exchanger was successfully installed on site, an innovative heat exchanger that efficiently facilitates heat transfer between the sCO₂ power cycle and the thermal storage and desalination components. To accommodate this critical component, the existing towers at King Saud University were modified, ensuring proper integration with the overall system architecture and enabling optimal heat transfer efficiency throughout the plant.
Upcoming arrivals
The project timeline continues to progress on schedule, with two major components expected to arrive in December 2025:
- Desalination unit: Currently in its final manufacturing stage in Germany, this container has completed all necessary certifications and is awaiting final certification from the Saudi Arabian Embassy before shipment.
- Air-cooler condenser: The dry cooler has been designed and manufactured, ready for deployment to enhance the system’s thermal management capabilities.
Comprehensive system integration
Beyond the main containers, significant progress has been made across all project components:
- The molten salt thermal storage system design has been completed and adapted to integrate within the containers as much as possible, with procurement currently underway.
- The electrical cabinet design has been finalized, incorporating all necessary controls and monitoring systems.
- Functional descriptions for all system stages have been developed and are being continuously refined to align with the final design specifications.
- Site preparation continues, with the foundation design under development to accommodate both the desalination system and gas supply components.
Looking ahead
With the electricity source pre-approved by KSU authorities and discussions initiated with the main gas suppliers (CO₂ and N₂), the project is advancing toward the commissioning phase. The Adaptive Coupling is planned to be commissioned alongside the desalination system once all containers are positioned according to the finalized layout design.
The DESOLINATION demonstration progresses rapidly towards a combined concentrated solar power and desalinated water production and partners are awaiting the plant inauguration planned for the first quarter of 2026 in King Saud University.
