PALESTINE – Israel has started boosting electric power to a desalination plant in the Gaza Strip to increase water production for a designated humanitarian zone, where most of Gaza's population is currently located. This action, which involves Israeli-Palestinian cooperation, aims to prevent a severe humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict with Hamas, as the facility will significantly increase its water output from 1,500 to 20,000 m3/d. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has emphasized the humanitarian need for this project as part of Israel's strategy to distinguish between civilians and Hamas, despite some internal government opposition. The move is crucial to mitigating the water scarcity exacerbated by the conflict and avoiding international pressure or potential legal challenges. The desalination plant, funded by the UN and operational since 2017, is managed by the Palestinian Water Authority with oversight from international humanitarian organizations, and its power supply will be closely monitored to prevent misuse by Hamas. (The Times of Israel)
AUSTRALIA – A collaboration between Traditional Owners, French utilities giant Suez, and water infrastructure developer Legacie is planning a $5 billion desalination plant in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The proposed plant, to be located at Balla Balla, aims to address the water scarcity in this remote area and support regional industrial and agricultural growth. The project, named Ngarluma Water, will be the first desalination plant in Australia developed in partnership with a First Nations organization, with Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation holding equity and involvement in the project. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with water production beginning by early 2029, and the plant will provide up to 410,958 m3/d. The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on groundwater, support sustainable development, and offer economic benefits to the Ngarluma people and the broader Pilbara region. (National Indigenous Times)
NAMIBIA – Namibia is initiating the construction of its second desalination plant in the Erongo region, as announced by Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein. The project, which has been in planning since 1998, is set to begin in January 2025 and aims to alleviate water shortages exacerbated by the country's heavy industrial and mining activities. With a planned capacity of around 54,794 m3/d the new plant is expected to be operational by early 2027. The country's current water sources, including the Orano Desalination Plant and groundwater aquifers, are nearing capacity, highlighting the urgency of this new development. (Smart Water Magazine)
ALGERIA – Algeria is launching a local production initiative for reverse osmosis membranes to achieve self-sufficiency in seawater desalination and reduce import costs. Announced by Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab, the project involves the Algerian Energy Company (AEC) partnering with international firms like Germany’s Port Energy Logistic (PEL). The new local manufacturing will address Algeria's current reliance on imported membranes for its 14 desalination plants, making the technology more accessible and economically viable. This move is part of Algeria's broader strategy to enhance water security and support the desalination sector, aiming to increase its contribution to drinking water needs from 42% to 60% by 2030. (Pumps Africa)
U.S.A. – Corpus Christi, Texas, has shortlisted three teams to submit proposals for a $757.6-million seawater desalination plant. The project, which aims to produce 113,562 m3/d, will be located on the Inner Harbor ship channel. The shortlisted teams include two joint ventures — Corpus Christi Desal Partners (Acciona Agua and MasTec Industrial) and Corpus Christi Desalination Team (CDM Smith and PLW Water)—as well as a standalone bidder, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. The city council approved a $138-million contract for preconstruction services and design, with construction expected to start in 2025 and complete by late 2027. Additionally, Corpus Christi is considering a second desalination plant to further increase water production and secure a drought-proof water supply. (ENR Texas&Louisiana)
Graphical rendering of the potential new desalination plant of Corpus Christi in Texas, U.S.A. Credit: Corpus Christi Water
TURKEY – Russia’s TD Group have delivered a desalination plant to the Akkuyu nuclear power plant under construction in Turkey. TD Group specialists, working under contract for Asos Process Engineering, adapted the design documentation. This included terms of reference, programs and test methods, drawings, repair and maintenance documentation, and calculations for earthquake resistance. ASOS praised the results of TD Group, and subsequently recruited its specialists to work on other projects. (Nuclear Engineering International)
SPAIN – At the recent Metropolitan Mayors' Forum in Malaga, civic leaders proposed the construction of three new reservoirs and two additional desalination plants to address the severe water scarcity exacerbated by ongoing droughts. New desalination plants are recommended for Vélez and Mijas while the suggested reservoirs include Gibralmedina, Cerro Blanco, and an expansion of La Concepción. The forum highlighted issues such as inadequate resource inventories, poor monitoring of aquifers, and lack of unified water management criteria. Proposals also include improved interconnections between water sources and infrastructure modernization. (SUR in English)