MOROCCO – Morocco's government and OCP Group have initiated a seawater desalination project to provide Safi, El Jadida, and neighboring regions with drinkable water. The Safi desalination plant, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 5, has commenced operations with a goal of producing approximately 27,397 m3/d. The project, led by OCP Green Water, aims to ensure a sustainable water supply in the face of climate change. The agreement also secures an annual supply of 35 million cubic meters for industrial use by the OCP Group. Morocco has intensified desalination investments to enhance water security, committing $37.6 billion over 30 years under a 2020-2050 plan. (Morocco World News)
KENYA – German start-up Boreal Light has supplied its latest "Winture" water desalination system to Kenya for the Samburu water supply project in Kwale County. The facility has a daily production capacity of 120 m3 of water, drawing water taken from a borehole 156 m deep. The system, installed by Kenyan start-up WaterKiosk Africa, operates off-grid and in remote areas, producing clean water from saline or brackish sources with its solar-powered system. The desalinated water will be distributed to households and irrigation channels for agricultural use, aiming to improve yields by up to 50%. The project, inaugurated on August 22, 2023, addresses water shortages in the semi-arid regions of East Africa and supports local communities impacted by drought. (Afrik21)
IRAQ – Iraq has initiated a project to construct a sea water desalination plant in the Southern Basra province to address a shortage in drinking water supply. The facility is designed to produce 1,000 m3/d, serving Basra city, Faw Port, and other areas. The project is contracted with ILF Consulting Engineers of Austria, serving as a consultant and has received approval from the cabinet. Ammar Al-Jabouri, the head of the Water Department at the Construction and Housing Ministry, announced the project but did not disclose the cost or completion date. The desalination plant aims to alleviate the drinking water supply challenges in the specified regions. (ZAWYA)
INDIA – The joint venture (JV) of VA Tech Wabag and Metito has signed a contract to develop a 400,000 m3/d Perur Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant for the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The project aims to enhance water security and provide clean potable water to over 2.7 million people in Tamil Nadu's South Chennai area. The JV, led by WABAG, will cover project development, including design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning over 42 months, followed by 20 years of operation and maintenance. (ZAWYA)
Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s South Chennai area. Credit: Metito
NAMIBIA – Orano Mining Namibia's 5 MW solar plant, part of the Sorexa project, has begun construction at the Trekkopje site to supply power to the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP). The solar plant, developed under a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with InnoSun Energy Holdings, is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. The project aims to reduce the EDP's carbon footprint, with the solar plant expected to lower annual greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The EDP, located 35 km north of Swakopmund, is the largest reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant in Southern Africa. (Namibia Economist)
OMAN – The Independent Water Regulatory Forum in Salalah recently took place with the participation of experts from Oman and other GCC countries to discuss water regulation trends. Organized by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat, the forum aims to ensure the quality and efficiency of water services in Oman. Khalid bin Ali al Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, highlighted the challenges and the GCC's goal to boost desalination capacity. APSR Chairman Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai emphasized the importance of independent water sector regulation for sustainability. The forum covered topics such as water quality management, efficiency, and sustainable water management, with Saudi Arabia presenting its experience in water sector regulation. (ZAWYA)