ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia’s premier education and research institution, are set to host the second edition of the Innovation Days event in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 23 to 25, 2024.

The focal point of this year’s event is ACWA Power’s Innovation Challenge, aiming to inspire Saudi youth to share innovative ideas in renewables, water desalination, green hydrogen, and energy storage. Industry experts will select winning ideas, which ACWA Power will support in development, offering real-world applications and potential patent opportunities.

Marco Arcelli, ACWA Power CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation in renewable energy and addressing global challenges, emphasizing collaboration with industry experts and academics to find practical solutions for climate change, water, and energy supply.

ACWA Power’s strong partnership with KAUST, particularly through the KAUST-ACWA Power Centre of Excellence for Desalination and Solar Power, has yielded positive results in research and development since 2019. Dr. Tony Chan, President of KAUST, expressed pride in being a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation, emphasizing the collaborative effort with ACWA Power to pioneer solutions in water and energy.

Innovation Days serves as a platform for business executives, innovators, researchers, and academics to showcase expertise in solar energy, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and seawater desalination. The event fosters discussions and collaborations, aiming to accelerate green technologies and integrate renewable energy applications. Through this initiative, ACWA Power and KAUST aim to inspire industry stakeholders to work together for a sustainable future.