RIYADH: The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and Alfaisal University yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in research and training in the application of desalination technology.
The agreement was inked by Prince Bandar bin Saud, chairman of the Executive Committee of Alfaisal University, and SWCC Governor Fehied F. Alshareef at the headquarters of King Faisal Foundation. Alan G. Goodridge, acting president of the university, was present during the function.
"The agreement is the result of Alfaisal University's commitment to seeking leadership in technical research and scientific development directly related to the needs of development and production centers in the country," Prince Bandar said addressing a press conference after the signing ceremony. "We believe that such developments could be reached through building relationships and cooperation with highly reputable national and international organizations such as the SWCC."
He pointed out that production and supply of desalinated water was the top priority in the Kingdom. He added that with this cooperation agreement, the university would produce expertise that could fulfil technical needs of the country.
The SWCC, the prince said, is not only responsible for desalinating sea water and producing electric power but also conducting research related to desalination technology. The university aims to adopt this technology to derive technical and economic benefits by reducing the production costs, he added.
Prince Bandar noted that with the cooperation agreement, the university would be able to produce skilled and experienced graduates in water production fields.
Alshareef said this was the first time his organization had opted to cooperate with an academic institution. "The program is going to help the two parties develop desalination technology to benefit the country," the governor said.
"The agreement will enable the university to produce graduates whose talents could be harnessed for the greater good of the country," he added.
The SWCC trained 5,454 officials in various fields in the year 2006-07. The SWCC has 30 plants, including six located in the east and 24 in the western region of the country.
By Mohammed Rasooldeen
© Arab News 2008
