Qatar’s water tech innovation efforts 'gaining momentum'

Qatar's water technology innovation efforts are rapidly advancing as global startups collaborate with local industry leaders to create solutions tailored to the country's unique environmental challenges, according to a senior TotalEnergies Qatar official. Yousef al-Jaber, vice president of Innovation and Change Management at TotalEnergies E&P Qatar and director of the Total Research Centre Qatar, emphasized the importance of linking emerging technologies with real-world industry needs during a fireside chat at the Water Technology Accelerator programme Showcase at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).

He highlighted that Qatar's arid climate, high temperatures, salinity, and humidity make it an ideal testing ground for water technologies. However, international startups often bring technologies developed for different conditions, which must be adapted to Qatar's specific needs. The treatment and management of produced water, which can comprise over 90% of the fluid from some wells, presents a significant challenge due to its high salinity and corrosive properties.

The official also noted the broader regulatory and operational ecosystem that must be understood by innovators deploying their technologies in Qatar. The conversation explored the relationship between water management, biodiversity, and Qatar's marine environment, with al-Jaber emphasizing the need to protect marine biodiversity and the contribution of water management to land biodiversity.

He encouraged the engagement of the accelerator programme as a starting point for a longer-term relationship, advocating for the embrace of artificial intelligence and emerging digital tools to improve efficiency and competitiveness.