BAHRAIN – Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has announced a tender for a new seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant to be built on Hawar Island. The plant will have the capacity to produce 4,546 to 9,092 m3/d of potable water and will include two ground storage tanks and forwarding pumps. The project, set to be completed within a year under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract, aims to enhance Bahrain's water supply. Bidders must demonstrate significant experience in SWRO desalination projects, including at least two completed projects in the last decade with a production capacity of at least 18,927 m3/d. The deadline for tender submissions is June 23. (Smart Water Magazine)
ISRAEL – Israel is set to expand the Ashkelon Desalination Plant into the country's largest desalination facility. The project involves issuing an international concession tender for the renovation, expansion, and 25-year operation of the plant, which will double its capacity from 328,767 m3/d to 602,739 m3/d. The updated facility will feature new infrastructure and renovated systems, continuing its role in providing water for an additional quarter-century. This expansion follows the end of the current concession period and aims to enhance Israel's water supply infrastructure. The Sorek Desalination Plant, which currently holds the title of Israel's largest, will be surpassed by the expanded Ashkelon facility. (Smart Water Magazine)
SAUDI ARABIA – The $1.5 billion zero liquid discharge desalination facility project in Saudi Arabia's Neom has been terminated following the expiration of the joint development agreement (JDA) between Neom subsidiary Enowa, Japan’s Itochu, and Veolia. Initially planned to deliver up to 2 million m3/d of desalinated water, meeting 30% of Neom's projected water demand, the project's commercial operation was scheduled for 2025. Neom's evolving water needs led to the decision to halt the project and adopt a new approach to capacity expansion. The facility was intended to use 100% renewable energy and advanced membrane technology to handle brine waste and create industrial products. Despite the project's cancellation, Enowa remains committed to sustainable solutions and international collaboration. (Smart Water Magazine)
CYPRUS – Cyprus is considering the construction of two new desalination plants to tackle a severe water scarcity crisis exacerbated by prolonged drought. Potential locations in eastern Limassol and the Famagusta free area face challenges such as land ownership issues and environmental restrictions. As an alternative, upgrading the existing Dhekelia desalination plant is under consideration. Current desalination facilities produce only 183,561 m3/d, falling short of the 290,410 m3/d required for irrigation, while reservoir levels have dropped significantly. A $1.27 billion national investment plan aims to enhance water security through infrastructure projects, and financial programs are available to assist farmers with smart irrigation systems. (Philenews)
Cyprus is considering the construction of two new desalination plants. Credit: Philenews
PHILIPPINES – Vivant Water has launched the Philippines' first utility-scale seawater desalination plant in Cordova, Cebu, marking a significant milestone in the country's water infrastructure. The initial phase of the plant, known as the first train or skid, is now operational and provides 5,000 m3/d, serving up to 5,000 households in Metro Cebu. Once fully operational, the plant will offer a sustainable source of drinking water and help alleviate the ongoing water crisis in the region. Vivant Water President Atty. Jess Garcia expressed pride in being a pioneer of seawater desalination in the Philippines, which traditionally relies on groundwater and surface water. (Malaya)
SOUTH AFRICA – The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, which has made significant strides in sustainability since 2008, is planning to launch a new desalination plant and construct a second seawater cooling plant. The new desalination plant, set to start operations in September, will produce 3,300 m3/d to ease the pressure on Cape Town’s freshwater resources. The V&A is also advancing its sustainability goals with a waste-to-energy pyrolysis plant and an expanded solar PV program to support the desalination plant’s energy needs. Additionally, a second seawater cooling plant will be built next year to further conserve water and enhance energy efficiency in the precinct. (Engineering News)
CHILE – Chilean mining company CAP and Australia's Tesoro Resources have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore water supply options for the El Zorro gold project. The MOU aims to secure water resources necessary for the project's development, which is located 25 kilometers from a multipurpose desalination plant owned by Cleanairtech, a joint venture between CAP Group and Mitsubishi Corp. Aguas CAP, CAP’s desalination subsidiary, is also working on expanding its plant’s capacity from 34,560 m3/d to 51,840 m3/d due to rising local demand. El Zorro, which requires an initial investment of $132 million, is expected to produce an average of 93,000 ounces of gold annually in its first phase. The project, which has a net present value of $302 million, is backed by a strategic investor, Gold Fields, which holds a 19% stake. (BNamericas)
SPAIN – The Mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Jesús Lupiáñez, has announced the upcoming construction of a desalination plant to address local drought conditions by treating well water. The project, which involves a $16.315 million investment from the Málaga Provincial Council and the Andalusian Regional Government, aims to improve water quality for irrigation and drinking. The desalinated water will benefit coastal areas and neighboring towns like Algarrobo, particularly for growing subtropical crops such as avocados and mangoes. With La Viñuela reservoir at only 18.79% capacity, the plant is crucial for meeting regional water needs. (EuroWeekly)