U.S.A. – The Port of Corpus Christi has decided not to pursue the La Quinta Channel for a potential desalination plant due to concerns about maintaining bay salinity, limiting the facility to a maximum of 75,700-113,562 m3/d. Instead, the Port will focus on a facility at Harbor Island, which has a permit for 189,270 m3/d, though this permit is currently under legal challenge. The Port plans to seek new permits for a larger facility capable of producing 378,541 m3/d. Environmental concerns have been a major issue, with the Port proposing offshore discharge points in the Gulf of Mexico as a less risky option. While the Port is not interested in owning or operating the desalination plants, it supports exploring desalination as a solution to water shortages, with Corpus Christi potentially developing these projects in collaboration with the Port. (Kristv)
The Laguna Beach County Water District (LBCWD) has approved a cost-sharing agreement for Phase 1 of the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project, with a 4-1 vote. This project aims to produce up to 18,927 m3/d of drought-proof water, enhancing emergency water supplies and regional resilience. LBCWD will fund 20% of the project's costs, amounting to approximately $2.58 million, securing 3,785 m3/d of the plant’s capacity. The project, which is set to start operation in 2028, will use existing infrastructure to reduce costs and impacts. The next step involves seeking approval from the city of San Clemente to finalize the agreement and proceed with the final contract approvals. (The Laguna Beach Independent)
MALDIVES – MWSC, the main water supplier in the Maldives, has partnered with Flocean to explore a groundbreaking subsea desalination technology. Their collaboration will begin with a feasibility study to utilize natural pressure and clean water from deep ocean depths for more efficient and eco-friendly freshwater production. This initiative aims to address water scarcity in the Maldives with a sustainable approach that reduces environmental impacts compared to traditional methods. The subsea technology is expected to cut energy consumption by 30-50%, avoid shallow brine discharge, and be resilient to environmental challenges like storms and algal blooms. If successful, this project could serve as a model for other regions facing similar water issues. (Smart Water Magazine)
OMAN – The Barka V desalination plant in Oman, completed by GS Inima, began construction in March 2022 and concluded in June 2024, marking a significant addition to the country’s water infrastructure. The plant uses advanced reverse osmosis technology and is now fully operational, supplying 105,000 m3/d of drinking water to 800,000 residents in major governorates. It achieved 100% availability during final performance tests and completed 3 million work hours without lost time incidents, setting a new standard in desalination projects in Oman. This project follows the recent inauguration of a solar photovoltaic farm in Sur, which powers the Sharqiyah desalination plant and supports Oman’s goal of 30% renewable electricity by 2030. (Zawya)
JORDAN – A French consortium consisting of Meridiam and Suez has been named the preferred bidder for Jordan’s $4.2 billion National Water Carrier project, also known as the Aqaba Amman Desalination and Water Conveyance project. This landmark project aims to provide Jordan with a sustainable solution to its water challenges by supplying 821,917 m3/d of desalinated water. The water will be sourced from the Red Sea and transported through a 445-kilometer pipeline. The Special Procurement Committee is now negotiating directly with the consortium to finalize the details of the project. This initiative is expected to significantly address the daily fresh water needs of the Jordanian population. (MEP Middle East)
A French consortium has won the bid for Jordan’s Aqaba Amman Desalination and Water Conveyance project. This project aims to supply Jordan with 821,917 m3/d of desalinated water. Credit: MEP Middle East
U.A.E. – EWEC is spearheading a transformation in water production in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, aiming for nearly emissions-free desalination by 2031. Their strategy focuses on using reverse osmosis (RO) technology and renewable energy to significantly reduce carbon emissions, with projections showing RO will handle 92% of water production by that year. The Taweelah RO plant, the world’s largest, already exemplifies this shift, while upcoming projects like Shuweihat 4 RO and Mirfa 2 RO will further boost capacity. EWEC’s approach integrates renewable solar and clean nuclear energy to power these desalination plants, showcasing a commitment to both sustainability and reliability. This initiative sets a global benchmark for decarbonizing water production, addressing the projected 40% gap between water supply and demand by 2030. (Smart Water Magazine)
EGYPT – Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with key officials, including the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat and ACWA Power Egypt’s Country Director Hassan Amin, to review ACWA Power's expansion plans in Egypt's energy and desalination sectors. The discussion highlighted ACWA Power’s significant contribution to Egypt’s renewable energy goals and the potential for localizing industries associated with their projects. ACWA Power provided updates on its ongoing projects, particularly in green hydrogen and seawater desalination, where it produces over 8 million m3/d. ACWA Power expressed readiness to take on new projects in Egypt. (Zawya)
U.K. – South West Water is hosting five public information events to discuss its proposed desalination plant in Cornwall, aimed at improving regional water resilience. The plan involves a two-phase approach, starting with a smaller desalination plant composed of five container-sized units, which will produce 2,500 to 5,000 m3/d of drinking water and use existing infrastructure to minimize environmental impact. The company has already engaged with locals in December 2023 and will hold additional in-person and online sessions before submitting a planning application later this summer. This project is part of a broader $165.218 million investment to increase water resources in Cornwall and Devon by 45% and 30%, respectively, by 2025. South West Water is also focusing on protecting marine environments and addressing climate change impacts through various initiatives, including repurposing disused quarries and reducing water leaks. (Water Magazine)
SPAIN – The Xàbia Desalination Plant will host a technical day titled "Water Challenges in the Marina Alta" on September 13, organized by the University of Alicante’s Water Chair. This event, held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature experts from various water sector organizations including the Institute of Water and Environmental Sciences, Alicante Provincial Council, Xàbia City Council, and AMJASA. The agenda includes discussions on water resources, hydraulic infrastructure, groundwater, and water reuse possibilities. A round table will address strategies and challenges for efficient water use. The event aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote sustainable water resource management in the region. (XABIA)