BELGIUM – Macquarie Capital has partnered with AVAIO Capital in finalising the development and construction of a new desalination plant in Port of Antwerp. The project intends to cut down industrial use of water sourced from the Albert Canal while minimising the need for water treatment chemicals. AVAIO in collaboration with Port of Antwerp and its anchor customers including Covestro and Evonik, plan to apply for core permits in 2021 and begin construction in 2022, with the aim to commission the plant by 2024. Macquarie Capital will aid in providing development capital for the project. (Water Technology)

U.S.A. – California Governor Gavin Newsom has been working to grant permits to construct a second major desalination plant on the Southern California Coast. The proposed plant set to be constructed in Huntington Beach will use a design similar to Sand Diego’s Carlsbad desalination plant. (New Geography)

KIRIBATI – The President’s Office of Kiribati has confirmed a chartered vessel with fresh water supplies and a desalination plant will be send for the 300 residents on the island. The Office of the President is working with the Australia and New Zealand High Commissions in Tarawa on shipping more water to the island. Reports from the island suggest there has been no significant rainfall for over six months and the drought and water crisis in Banana has created a desperate situation for the residents. (RNZ)