CHILE – Antofagasta Minerals inaugurated a $2 billion desalination plant for its Los Pelambres copper mine in Chile to address severe drought impacting production. It's the first mine in the area to operate with desalinated water, crucial due to a 15-year drought depleting freshwater reservoirs. Chilean President Gabriel Boric commended the project's significance amid climate change, emphasizing the need for responsible mining practices. The plant, located in Los Vilos, Coquimbo, will pump 34,560 m³/d initially, with plans for an additional phase to supply more water by 2027. (Mining Weekly)

U.A.E. – Abengoa Water, a division of Coxabengoa Group, has completed final tests for Abu Dhabi's Taweelah desalination plant, the largest globally, boasting a capacity of 909,218 m³/d. Over 30 days, the plant exceeded expectations by desalinating 927,402 m³/d, surpassing planned capacity by 2%. The plant, now under the management of Emirati companies and ACWA Power, integrates clean energy, featuring a photovoltaic solar field with over 70 MWp capacity, aligning with the UAE government's push for sustainable infrastructure. Recognized as the Desalination Plant of the Year 2023, the Taweelah plant exemplifies Coxabengoa Group's leadership in complex projects, reaffirming its global standing in the desalination sector. (Solarquarter)

OMAN – Construction of the Barka V desalination project in Oman, with a capacity of 100,000 m3/day, is nearing completion, boosting potable water supply to Muscat and South Al Batinah. GS Inima Barka V Desalination Co SAOC, a subsidiary of GS Inima Environment, is overseeing the project under a Build-Own-Operate model for 20 years. The $138 million investment project, scheduled to begin operation by mid-2024, utilizes high-efficiency reverse osmosis technology to replace older, less-efficient desalination plants in the Barka area. The Barka V IWP marks the fifth installment of water projects in the region, addressing water supply needs as older plants' contracts expire. Barka Power and Water Co recently secured an extension of its Water Purchase Agreements until June 30, 2024, ensuring continued water supply until the new plant becomes operational. (ZAWYA)

SPAIN – Amid an ongoing drought emergency, the Catalan government has approved the use of water from privately owned desalination plants to support economic sectors such as tourism, industry, and agriculture. Businesses facing severe water restrictions can request permission from the Catalan Water Agency, provided they justify the necessity for maintaining economic viability. Requests will be evaluated individually, ensuring approval is granted only if deemed essential for the company's operations. The government emphasized that private pools will not be allowed to be filled, highlighting the severity of the drought situation. (Catalan News)

SPAIN – Hotels in Lloret de Mar, Catalunya, are collaborating to fund a $1.629 million desalination plant by Hidro Water, ensuring swimming pools remain open this summer despite drought conditions. This initiative, involving 150 establishments, is supported by the local council and awaits authorization from the regional government. The plant, expected to be operational by late May or early June, aims to address water scarcity concerns and maintain tourism competitiveness. The project reflects a shift in Catalunya's policy, allowing private desalination plants for non-potable uses to support businesses and jobs. With 103 participating companies, the initiative extends beyond Lloret de Mar to neighboring areas, demonstrating a collective effort to mitigate the impact of prolonged droughts and ensure a seamless experience for tourists. (The Olive Press)

U.K. – Anglian Water is considering installing a desalination plant in Holland-on-Sea, Essex, as a potential solution to water supply shortages, especially amid concerns about reduced groundwater abstraction by 2050. The area faces significant reductions in available water, coupled with population growth, prompting exploration of desalination as a last resort. Other locations in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk are also being evaluated for desalination plants. However, the decision to proceed with desalination won't be made until at least 2030, allowing time to assess the impact on energy consumption and waste management. (BBC)

_{Anglian Water is considering a desalination plant for Holland-on-Sea in Essex, England. Credit: Newsquest}

ALGERIA – Algeria is constructing five seawater desalination plants along its Northern Mediterranean coasts to address increasing domestic water demand. Algerian Irrigation Minister Taha Derbal confirmed that all plants are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with progress already underway. The new plants aim to provide sufficient drinking water for coastal areas and neighboring provinces, contributing to the nation's water security. (ZAWYA)

QATAR – ACCIONA recently hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Water Desalination in Qatar," signaling the company's commitment to addressing water stress in the region. Qatar's increasing water scarcity challenges have prompted a shift towards reverse osmosis desalination, with ACCIONA at the forefront since 2016. The event convened experts and stakeholders to discuss advancements in desalination technologies, highlighting Qatar's journey towards sustainable water management. Speakers emphasized the critical role of reverse osmosis desalination in Qatar's water security strategy, underlining the need for continuous innovation and international cooperation. (ACCIONA)