Aquachlor pilot success at UAQ desal plant marks a game-changer for sector

The Aquachlor Mixed Oxidant Generator is expected to revolutionise large-scale potable water disinfection across the GCC. Gulf Construction speaks to the companies that introduced this breakthrough technology that is setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.

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AT Wetex 2025 in Dubai, Emerald Ecotechnologies and Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company (EEIC), a Ghobash Group Enterprise, showcased their flagship Aquachlor Mixed Oxidant Generators – a breakthrough technology promising up to 90 per cent cost savings in water disinfection.

The innovation is already making tangible impact in the UAE. At the Naqa’a Desalination Plant in Umm Al Quwain – with a capacity of 684,000 cu m per day, the world’s second largest – Aquachlor has successfully completed pilot testing for potable water disinfection. Retrofits now under installation are expected to achieve around 90 per cent reduction in operating costs and a return on investment of just 18 months.

Gulf Construction sat down with Ramiz Palkabar, Head of Water Technology Business Unit, EEIC, and Petr Gnatyuk, CEO, Emerald Ecotechnologies to discuss their partnership, the success of recent pilot projects, and how Aquachlor is setting new efficiency and sustainability benchmarks across the region.

Excerpts of the interview with Ramiz Palkabar and Petr Gnatyuk:

How did this partnership come about, and what strategic value does it bring to the region?

The partnership between EEIC and Emerald Ecotechnologies developed during an exhibition in the UAE, where it became clear that both companies could bring highly complementary strengths. EEIC is already firmly established in the region as a trusted EPC contractor, while Emerald Ecotechnologies brings advanced water technologies that add significant value to large-scale projects. Many of these projects require far more than manufacturing alone – they demand delivery, tendering, engineering documentation, and long-term operation and maintenance. By working together, Emerald Ecotechnologies provides the innovation, while EEIC ensures these solutions are delivered and supported effectively across the UAE and the wider Middle East.