EGYPT – In July 2024, Egypt will launch a call for tenders to build four new seawater desalination plants, as part of a project aimed at increasing the country's desalinated water supply. The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) has pre-qualified 14 consortia and three companies for the project, which will be overseen by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. The plants, with capacities between 300,000 and 400,000 m3/d, are scheduled to be constructed by mid-2025 and will initially supply 3.35 million cubic meters of water annually. The total investment for this phase is $350 million, and future phases will aim to expand production to 8.85 million cubic meters by 2050, with some facilities powered by solar energy. Additional pre-qualified groups will contribute to a broader effort to boost Egypt's desalination capacity by 1 million m3/d. (Afrik21)
U.K. – South West Water plans to deliver a smaller desalination plant in Cornwall by late 2024, adjusting from its initial proposal for a larger facility. The new plant, located in Par, will utilize existing infrastructure to minimize environmental impacts and will produce between 2,500 and 5,000 m3/d of drinking water. This interim solution allows more time to develop a larger desalination plant capable of producing up to 20,000 m3/d, reusing much of the existing infrastructure. The company aims to address water resource challenges and has committed to thorough environmental assessments and consultations to mitigate impacts on marine habitats. Public meetings and stakeholder consultations will be held later in 2024 to gather feedback and refine the project's plans. (BBC)
INDIA – Energy Recovery, Inc. has won $15 million in contracts to supply its PX Pressure Exchanger devices to seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants in India, with shipments expected in 2024. These plants will collectively produce over 670,000 m3/d of clean drinking water. The PX devices will enhance energy efficiency and operational flexibility, reducing energy consumption by up to 60% and lowering operational costs and carbon emissions. The PX system is projected to prevent over 300,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually from these projects. (World Pumps)
SAUDI ARABIA – ENGIE's Yanbu 4 Independent Water Project (IWP) is nearing full commercial operation, with completion expected this year. The project has achieved 24 million safe man-hours without any Lost-Time Accidents (LTA). This milestone highlights the project's commitment to safety and operational excellence. ENGIE's announcement underscores the progress and success of the project. (Utilities Middle East)
The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has received bids for the Ras Mohaisen Independent Water Plant (IWP), which will produce 300,000 m3/d of potable water. The bids have been submitted by ACCIONA and a consortium including ACWA Power, Haji Abdullah Alireza & Partners Company, and Al Kifah Holding. This project aims to enhance water supply capacity in Makkah. The competitive bidding process marks a key step toward advancing the development of this significant water infrastructure. (Utilities Middle East)
The Saudi Water Partnership Company has received bids for the 300,000 m3/d Ras Mohaisen Independent Water Plant. Credit: Utilities Middle East
OMAN – Oman is nearing the commissioning of its first solar-thermally powered desalination plant, developed by Austrian company Heliovis AG. Located at Qarat al Milh in central Oman, the plant, constructed for Omani ARA Petroleum, will use solar thermal technology to produce up to 140 m3/d of drinking water. The HELIOtubes, a key component of Heliovis's technology, harness sunlight to generate process heat, reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. This technology employs recyclable inflatable tubes and mirror films to collect and concentrate sunlight, generating clean heat in the mid-temperature range of 90°C to 400°C. (Renewables Now)
PHILIPPINES – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is exploring seawater desalination to supply drinking water to small island barangays in the Philippines, aiming to address the needs of 40 million people without reliable freshwater access. The government plans to start desalination in 65 island barangays, with potential funding from the government budget, development loans, public-private partnerships, and bonds. President Marcos has urged the creation of a national plan to improve water access and called for the reorganization of water agencies to better address the issue. (Philstar)
MISCELLANEOUS – ACCIONA recently hosted its first panel discussion on reverse osmosis desalination at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, focusing on sustainable water solutions for Saudi Arabia. The event highlighted the importance of reverse osmosis technology in addressing the Kingdom's water sustainability challenges, with key speakers from the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), WTTCO, ENGIE, and ACCIONA discussing its role in water management. The discussion underscored how Saudi Arabia, with its arid climate and limited freshwater resources, relies heavily on desalination to meet its water needs, and how the Saudi Vision 2030 supports investing in such technologies. ACCIONA’s emphasized that reverse osmosis technology is more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional thermal desalination, crucial for addressing water scarcity in the region. (ACCIONA)