QatarEnergy announces plans for an innovative salt plant in Qatar

QatarEnergy announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art salt production plant in the Um Al Houl area in a significant move to bolster industrial localisation and economic sustainability.

This ambitious project is a joint venture involving Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (MPHC), Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Co. (QIMC), and other strategic partners.

The new plant, endorsed as part of QatarEnergy’s TAWTEEN localisation program, is set to be built at an estimated cost of QAR 1 billion (US $ 275 million). It aims to ensure Qatar’s self-sufficiency by producing both industrial and table salts for local consumption and export to regional and international markets. In addition to salts, the facility will manufacture Bromine, Potassium Chlorides, and demineralised water, fostering product diversification and economic growth.

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, highlighted the project's significance. “This project marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to support industrial localisation and promote sustainable practices within Qatar’s energy sector. It embodies our commitment to innovation and economic growth, core tenets of Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” he stated.

Al-Kaabi emphasised QatarEnergy’s dedication to enhancing local industrial capabilities through the TAWTEEN program. “By transforming waste into a valuable resource, we are setting new benchmarks for industrial efficiency and economic resilience. This is a major step in QatarEnergy's broader strategy of enhancing local supply chains and increasing industrial self-sufficiency,” he added.

Leveraging innovative technologies

The innovative facility will utilise reject water recovery from reverse osmosis (RO) desalination units, converting wastewater into a valuable resource. With a production capacity of one million tons per annum, the project will significantly reduce Qatar’s reliance on imported raw materials, replacing the 850,000 tons of table and industrial salts currently imported each year.

As part of the TAWTEEN program, the project benefits from initiatives aimed at boosting local content and supporting the growth of local industries. This collaboration highlights a robust public-private partnership committed to achieving strategic national objectives.

Since its launch in 2019, TAWTEEN has allocated 78 investment opportunities out of its target of 100, aiming to localise services and industries in Qatar’s energy sector. The program has also created 7,000 white-collar jobs, underscoring its impact on the local economy.

This landmark salt production plant represents a crucial step forward for QatarEnergy, aligning with Qatar’s broader vision of sustainable development and economic diversification.