Water sustainability centre opens in Qatar

R&D centre in Doha will focus on sustainable use of water.

A research and development centre promoting the sustainable use of water was officially opened in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. The Global Water Sustainability Center (GWSC) is a joint project by ConocoPhillips and GE Power & Water.

The center, located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), will research and develop water solutions primarily for the petroleum and petrochemical sectors, but also will focus on municipalities and agriculture.

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“This collaboration will harness our collective strengths to explore solutions that address not only the world’s most pressing water challenges, but the region’s as well,” said Christine Furstoss, chief technology officer at GE Power & Water.

About 75 percent of the GWSC’s work will focus on the petroleum and petrochemical sector. On average, approximately three barrels of water are produced for every barrel of oil produced worldwide.

However, this water usually contains residual components that limit its use without extensive treatment. Proposed uses for treated water could include recycling within treatment processes, industrial cooling, crop irrigation, livestock watering, and wildlife habitats, potentially leaving more fresh water available for domestic use, said GE.

The GWSC will also sponsor sustainable development projects that benefit the local community such as programs to encourage water conservation, exhibitions and public or industry workshops. A visitor center set within GWSC will promote water conservation and technology applications to the residents of Qatar within the context of a national awareness campaign.