ISRAEL – The European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to invest up to $1.02 billion in Israel for various projects, including a renewable energy-powered desalination plant in the Western Galilee and the Tel Aviv green line light rail. The EIB will contribute $170 million to the Western Galilee desalination plant, the seventh such facility in Israel, which is set to produce 273,972 m3/d. The Western Galilee project will be the fifth Israeli desalination plant that the EIB has invested in. (The Times of Israel)
SOUTH AFRICA – Refurbishment and maintenance at Robben Island, including the island’s desalination plant, are estimated to cost more than $17 million. The desalination facility has been inoperable since February, and residents rely on water from the mainland. A site inspection revealed the need for maintenance on the desalination plant and several other buildings. The challenges in fixing the plant include the non-local production of equipment, causing delays. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has spent $7.7 million on maintenance to date, and the total cost for refurbishments and infrastructure is expected to exceed $17 million. (NEWS24)
INDIA – Toshiba Water Solutions Private Limited has secured a contract from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for the design, upgrade, rehabilitation, and capacity augmentation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Bengaluru. The agreement also includes operation and maintenance services for three STPs. This contract follows Toshiba Water Solutions' previous contract for the TK Halli Water Treatment Plant in 2020. The scope of work involves upgrading and rehabilitating five STPs in Bengaluru, demonstrating the company's expertise in Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), and O&M services. (Business Standard)
U.S.A. – Ferrovial's water/wastewater subsidiary, PLW Waterworks, has secured a contract for the construction of the Wilbarger Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pflugerville, Texas. The project, valued at approximately $200 million, is part of Ferrovial's commitment to investing in America's infrastructure. The Wilbarger Creek plant will have the capacity to treat up to 22,712 m3/d, addressing Pflugerville's growth and service needs. PLW Waterworks, a joint venture between Ferrovial subsidiaries Webber and Cadagua, specializes in water purification, treatment, reuse, and desalination systems. The construction is set to begin in the summer, with completion expected in 2026. (Ferrovial)
PHILIPPINES – In Albay, a Philippine Navy ship, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), equipped with a reverse osmosis desalination system, is providing clean water to Mayon Volcano evacuees. The desalination system on the ship can produce large amounts of fresh water, supplying 32 m3/d for at least 1,000 affected families. This initiative follows Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro's commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deploy Navy ships capable of converting seawater to drinkable water. Over 20,000 residents are currently staying in evacuation centers in Albay due to the volcanic activity of Mayon Volcano, which is under Alert Level 3. The Navy ship, in addition to providing water, can serve as a mobile command and control for the local government of Albay in case the volcano's alert level is raised. (INQUIRER.NET)
BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), equipped with a reverse osmosis desalination system, is providing clean water to Mayon Volcano evacuees in the Philippines. Credit: Philippine Navy
PHILIPPINES – The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) in the Philippines is accused of graft and corruption for proceeding with disapproved projects, including a desalination plant in Cordova town. The projects were disapproved by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), which serves as the legal counsel of MCWD. The OGCC claimed that the actions of MCWD and its Joint Venture Selection Committee members were detrimental to government and public service, violating the "Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act." Cebu City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo accused MCWD Chairman Jose Daluz III of continuing the projects despite the disapproval, prompting a call for the removal and termination of Daluz and two other board members. (Sunstar)
KENYA – Kenyan company Davis & Shirtliff has introduced a Dayliff Battery-less Solar Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant to tap into the growing off-grid zero-emission desalination market. The water treatment system harnesses power from solar PV panels, eliminating the need for additional energy storage equipment. The system, incorporating Dayliff Sunverter 3 controllers and low-energy RO membranes, provides an energy-efficient solution for water treatment. The system allows users to harness solar power, generator input, or mains power, offering versatility across diverse environmental conditions. The technology aims to contribute to sustainable water treatment processes in various applications, including industrial, commercial, education, health, and residential sectors. (Capital Business)
SAUDI ARABIA – ACWA Power has secured a $100 million revolving credit facility from China Construction Bank to scale up its operations in the Middle East, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The three-year agreement aims to boost ACWA Power's liquidity and funding flexibility for strategic growth opportunities. The facility enhances the company's ability to develop sustainable utility infrastructure in various regions, supporting its commitment to low-carbon solutions and the transition to clean energy. ACWA Power and China Construction Bank have collaborated on various projects, including the UAE's Hassyan power plant and the Zarqa gas power plant in Jordan. Chinese financiers have invested $10 billion in ACWA Power's global project portfolio since 2009. (ARAB NEWS)