Saudi Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) collaborated with SOURCE Global PBC, the first renewable and sustainable water brand, to become the first destination in the world to offer water purely made from sunlight and air.
The Red Sea project issued a statement confirming that the innovative technology has a patent for drawing pure water vapor out of the air and converts it to premium, mineralized drinking water.
Water will then be bottled at a plant that also runs on solar energy, creating the largest solar-powered facility of its kind with a capacity of two million 330ml bottles annually.
The Red Sea Development Company used hydrograph methods to accurately measure the impact of the project on the environment.
The site will utilize a smart system to manage and monitor the environmental impact of the ongoing development processes. It will also supervise visitors’ influx to protect the destination from “overtourism” and ensure an easy and comfortable experience throughout their stay.
In a statement, CEO of TRSDC John Pagano announced that the project will initially produce 300,000 bottles a year and the reusable glass bottles will be refilled on-site as part of a fully circular sustainable distribution model.
Pagano explained that water harvesting and bottling will generate zero carbon and zero single-use plastic bottles, indicating that bottling machinery and plant operations will be sourced locally, empowering Saudi businesses while further reducing the carbon footprint of the project.
“As we push the boundaries and set new global standards for sustainable development, we are adopting cutting-edge technology and business practices that are in harmony with nature.”
The partnership with SOURCE Global makes the Red Sea the only destination in the world with truly regenerative bottled water and reflects its commitment to operate using only renewable energy and free of single-use plastics, said Pagano.
Pagano noted that TRSDC uniquely serves the sustainable tourism market, which is poised to grow by $130.12 billion between 2020 and 2024.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the market, with 76 percent of global consumers say they are more concerned about sustainability post-pandemic, and 68 percent are more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands.
SOURCE will be the official bottled water of the Red Sea Project and will initially serve the Coastal Village, a residential and commercial area that will house the 600 employees and operators working at the site, according to the CEO.
He indicated that when the first hotels begin opening in 2022, SOURCE will be the only bottled water served to guests, further extending the sustainable experience.
For his part, SOURCE Global Founder and CEO, Cody Friesen, asserted the company’s support to TRSDC, adding that the new production line depends on extracting renewable freshwater from the atmosphere using an off-grid technology that can produce sustainably sourced water anywhere in the world.
“TRSDC is creating the most sustainable place on earth, and we’re honored to be part of it.”
The Red Sea Project will welcome its first guests by the end of 2022, with the first phase including 16 luxury hotels offering 3,000 rooms across five islands and two inland locations.
It will also include entertainment facilities, an airport, and the necessary supporting logistics and infrastructure.
On Monday, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman al-Fadhli said that raising awareness on the importance of water and providing effective programs and options for decision-makers in managing water resources, plays a major role in creating an appropriate environment for economic, financial, and administrative development.
The Minister was speaking at a virtual meeting within the activities of the Saudi Water Forum on the occasion of World Water Day. He asserted that it also helps achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
