AUSTRALIA – The first stage of the Alkimos desalination plant in Western Australia is estimated to cost $2.8 billion, nearly double the $1.6 billion initially proposed in the Water Corporation's development application. Premier Roger Cook announced that the project will be fully funded from the expected 2023-24 surplus. The desalination plant's first stage, operational by 2028, aims to supply 136,986 m3/d. The total cost and completion date for the second stage, which doubles the plant's output to 273,973 m3/d, remain unconfirmed, but Water Minister Simone McGurk stated it would be significantly cheaper than the first stage. Desalination plants are crucial for Western Australia's water security due to declining rainfall and impacts on dams and groundwater. (The West Australian)
INDIA – The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited tenders for a desalination plant project at Manori, with an estimated cost of $422 million dollars, covering operation and maintenance charges for 20 years. The plant aims to produce 200,000 m3/d of potable water, with the option to increase the capacity to 400,000 m3/d in the future. The water will be supplied to Dahisar, Borivali, and Kandivali in the western suburbs. Currently, Mumbai faces water scarcity, relying on daily water supply from seven lakes on the outskirts. The project, initiated in 2019, is crucial for meeting Mumbai's increasing water demand, with the city currently supplying only 3.85 million m3/d out of a required 4.2 million m3/d. A feasibility study was conducted in January 2022 and the BMC allocated a 12-hectare land in Manori village for the eco-friendly plant, and the approximate cost of procured water will be $0.01 per 0.001 m3. (The Indian Express)
INDIA – NLC Tamil Nadu Power, a joint venture between Tangedco and NLC India Limited, plans to install an 8,500 m3/d capacity desalination plant at NLC Tamil Nadu’s power plant in Thoothukudi, as well as a Wet Flue Gas Desulphurisation (WFGD) system, and an additional chimney. The contract for the additional desalination plant contract went to Tecton and the WFGD system and additional chimney was awarded to BHEL. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved a hard cost of $82.74 million for the installation of emission control systems at the Power Station.
The project aims to meet the Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission control norms set by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The CERC approved the proposed hard cost, noting that the Central Electricity Authority's (CEA) recommended hard cost was indicative and required revision. The emission control project is in response to the Union Ministry's 2022 notification, requiring compliance with emission norms by December 2025 for thermal power plants within 10 km of Critically Polluted Areas or Non-attainment cities. (The Hindu)
SOUTH AFRICA – Joint owners Growthpoint Properties and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) will commission a $9.7 million desalination plant at the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town by March and April of the coming year. At full capacity, the plant can provide 3,500 to 5,000 m3/d and uses a scalable reverse osmosis system, allowing the Waterfront to become independent of the water grid. The current dispute between the City of Cape Town and Quality Filtration Systems over a tender for a desalination plant at the Waterfront will not affect the new project. The investment is aimed at mitigating water scarcity risks to the Waterfront's investments, providing resilience to both tourist and commercial operations. (Moneyweb)
Growthpoint Properties and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) are planning to build a $9.7 million desalination plant at the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa Credit: Moneyweb
PAKISTAN – Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar announced that a China-donated seawater desalination plant in Gwadar district, Balochistan province, will address the region’s long-standing water shortage issue. The desalination plant, capable of providing 14,158 m3/d of potable water, was inaugurated along with an upgrade of the Pak-China Friendship Hospital. PM Kakar emphasized the importance of Gwadar to Balochistan and urged collaboration between China and Pakistan to develop Gwadar into a high-quality port, regional trade center, and connectivity hub. (Xinhuanet)
KUWAIT – The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) has shortlisted consortiums for major independent water and power projects, including Az-Zour North Phase II and III and Al Khairan Phase I. Among the shortlisted firms are ACWA Power, TAQA, China Power International Holding, Nebras Power, and Sumitomo. The Az-Zour North IWPP will have a production capacity of 545,530 m3/d of potable water and 2,700 MW of power, while the Al Khairan IWPP will produce at a rate of 124,918 m3/d and have a net capacity of at least 1,800 MW. The shortlisting process is facilitated by advisory support from Ernst & Young, Addleshaw Goddard, and Atkins. (Trade Arabia)
CHILE – An electrical failure at the La Chimba desalination plant in Antofagasta has led to a water supply cut affecting around 55,000 homes. The Superintendency of Sanitary Services (SISS) in Antofagasta is overseeing mitigation measures by Aguas Antofagasta SA, the water company responsible for the affected regions. The SISS Regional Office is monitoring the situation, and Aguas Antofagasta has been instructed to provide alternative water supply through seven cistern trucks in various sectors of the city. SISS is investigating the origin of the failure to determine Aguas Antofagasta's responsibilities in maintaining the desalination plant. Measures to increase drinking water supply from the mountain range and efforts to resume desalination plant operations are being closely monitored. (BNamericas)
MOROCCO – Metito Utilities has partnered with Tahliya Group, a UAE-based infrastructure company, to jointly undertake two significant desalination projects in Morocco. The projects, announced following the UAE-Morocco cooperation declaration at COP28, include a multi-user irrigation initiative utilizing desalinated water, both powered by renewable energy. Metito, known for providing the largest desalination plants globally, aims to address water scarcity, food security, and sustainable development in Morocco through the strategic partnership. The collaboration leverages Metito's engineering proficiency and Tahliya Group's infrastructure development expertise, targeting a meaningful impact on the country's drinking water challenges. (ZAWYA)