U.S.A. – Arizona is considering a $5 billion plan to build a desalination plant in Mexico, near the Gulf of California, and pipe the desalinated seawater to Phoenix as the state grapples with water shortages from drought, climate change, and overuse. Groundwater and the Colorado River, the state's primary water sources, are diminishing. The proposed project, backed by IDE Technologies, would involve a 320-km pipeline, climbing over 610 meters in elevation, to transport water to Phoenix. The $5 billion initiative is part of a broader effort to find new water sources in water-scarce regions. The project's fate depends on approval from Mexican authorities and overcoming challenges like cutting through a biosphere reserve and addressing the ecological and cultural significance of the land, particularly to the Tohono O’odham Nation. (The New York Times)
U.S.A. – A proposed $330 million seawater desalination plant in Marina, California, has sparked controversy, with critics, including Mayor Bruce Delgado, accusing California American Water (Cal-Am) of capitalizing on water scarcity. The desalination plant, approved by the California Coastal Commission, is expected to produce 18,170 m3/d. Delgado argues that Marina, a working-class city, would bear the industrial burden, while wealthier adjacent communities would benefit. Despite Marina not needing additional water, ratepayers could face over a 50% increase in water bills. (Sierra)
PORTUGAL – The Portuguese government has selected Albufeira as the location for a planned desalination plant in the Algarve, with a tender expected to be launched by the end of 2023. The plant's construction is estimated to cost around $54.6 million, with its capacity increased from 80,000 to 240,000 cubic meters. Portugal is currently facing severe or extreme drought conditions in approximately 36% of the country. The government has implemented water restrictions in the Algarve to address the worsening drought. (Portugal Resident)
SPAIN – Danish company Wavepiston is progressing with its wave-powered desalination system in the Canary Islands, with plans to deploy its first full-scale wave energy system for power generation and desalination. The company has initiated offshore installation operations at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) test platform, where it will use its wave energy system for power production and desalination. The company aims to complete the deployment in the next few weeks and is confident in its progress. Wavepiston's wave energy system involves energy collectors in the ocean, producing pressurized seawater transported to the shore for power generation and reverse osmosis desalination units. Wavepiston recently commenced final factory acceptance tests for its wave energy collectors intended for the Canary Islands project. (Offshore Energy)
Trames Diez boat vessel installing pressure pipes for Wavepiston’s wave energy-driven desalination system off Canary Islands Credit: Wavepiston
U.A.E. – Silal has partnered with Desolenator, a solar thermal desalination company from the Netherlands, to initiate a pilot project utilizing solar-powered desalination technology. The primary objectives of the project include producing pure water for irrigation and offering a sustainable cooling solution for greenhouses. Supported by a $27 million research and development fund initiated by ADQ in 2022, the project aims to contribute to decarbonizing food production in arid regions by reducing the carbon footprint associated with desalination processes. (SOLARQUARTER)
U.A.E. – GE Gas Power has entered into a service agreement with Taweelah Asia Power Co (Tapco) to provide asset and performance services for the gas turbines at the Taweelah B Power and Desalination Complex in Abu Dhabi. Tapco, 60% owned by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), is the owner of the largest independent water and power plant (IWPP) in the UAE. The services provided by GE Gas Power include major inspection works on 9E gas turbine and generators, as well as complete disassembly, overhaul, and commissioning activities. The scope of work also includes outage support to enhance the Taweelah B plant's capabilities for future performance and long-term benefits. (Oil&Gas Middle East)
INDIA – Work on Chennai's third desalination plant at Nemmeli is nearing completion, with the remaining 200 meters of the seawater pipeline expected to be finished by the end of the month. The plant, with a capacity to treat 150,000 m3/d, is nearly 98% complete. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply department, Shiv Das Meena, inspected the site and urged officials to complete the $202.24 million project on time. The pipeline, at 2,250-mm diameter, is one of the largest offshore pipeline networks for a desalination plant in India. (The Hindu)
U.K. – Britain's only water desalination plant, the $334 million Thames Water facility at Beckton, east London, will remain out of action until July due to delays in obtaining critical supplies. The facility was switched off for maintenance last year amid record-breaking temperatures. Although maintenance is complete, the company has faced problems obtaining carbon dioxide, which is needed for a process where minerals are restored to the water after the removal of sea salt. The additional holdup is attributed to turmoil in Europe's fertilizer industry after the Ukraine war sent energy prices soaring. The plant, opened in 2010, can supply drinking water to 400,000 homes in London during crises. (The Telegraph)