Swedish water technology to provide clean drinking water in Saudi Arabia

Stockholm Water Technology (SWT) has announced a partnership with DRC-ChemTec, a leading chemical company specialising in water treatment. Over the next four years, the two companies will work together to deploy SWT’s chemical- and membrane-free water treatment systems in Saudi Arabia. This marks the first-ever implementation of this innovative technology in the region, providing access to clean drinking water for millions while reducing environmental impact.

SWT’s advanced water treatment technology, already in use across Sweden, France, Portugal, and other European nations, has proven its ability to deliver both environmental and economic benefits. The agreement is valued at a minimum of 9 million Euros by 2028, with SWT set to supply 1,750 systems to meet the growing demand for sustainable water solutions in Saudi Arabia. These systems will collectively treat around 3.5 million litres of water daily, or over 1 billion litres annually.

SWT's proprietary CAP3D electro-capacitive technology uses electricity to remove charged contaminants, eliminating the need for chemicals or membranes. This eco-friendly method significantly reduces waste, lowers energy consumption, and supports sustainable water purification by removing heavy metals, nutrients, and emerging pollutants—critical for wastewater recycling and potable water production.

Karthik Laxman, CEO of Stockholm Water Technology, commented: “Saudi Arabia’s water treatment sector is leading the way in sustainability, driven by the urgent demand for clean water across industries and a growing emphasis on water recycling. Traditional chemical-based solutions can harm the environment, making it crucial to provide more efficient and sustainable alternatives. With the market expected to grow over 7% annually and potentially reach $5 billion by 2027, this is the perfect moment for us to introduce SWT technology and help shape the future of water sustainability in the region.”

In the initial phase of the project, the systems will focus on the commercial and consumer drinking water markets, with future plans to expand into industrial applications. The second phase will target the industrial and municipal wastewater treatment markets. DRC-ChemTec will serve as the primary point of contact for customer planning, installation, and servicing, ensuring the systems meet the needs of both residential and industrial sectors. Additionally, DRC-ChemTec will manufacture skids and control cabinets at its Riyadh facility, while SWT will provide the core patented modules, electronic circuit boards, and control system software. Together, the companies will develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Saudi market.

Husam Aljarba, Strategic Business Development Director at DRC-ChemTec, said: “DRC sees strong potential for growth in both residential and industrial segments, where SWT’s flexible water treatment systems will offer unique value to customers. Our business model is expected to be split 60% B2C and 40% B2B, in line with shifting market demands. Through this partnership, we aim to significantly enhance environmental sustainability by promoting clean energy use and advancing a circular water economy.”
Looking beyond the initial deployment, DRC-ChemTec has submitted a proposal to the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) to test SWT units for the reuse of treated municipal wastewater. The goal is to remove micropollutants such as pesticides, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater, making it suitable for agricultural use, with the entire process powered by solar energy.