ALGERIA – California-based company Energy Recovery is set to supply its PX pressure exchangers for seawater desalination plants in Algeria. The Algerian government aims to increase the share of desalinated water in its drinking water supply to 50% by 2030. Energy Recovery's PX pressure exchangers are expected to reduce the energy cost of desalination by up to 60%. The contract, valued at $28 million, requires the delivery of the pressure exchangers by the end of 2023, with installation planned for all of Algeria's seawater desalination plants by 2024. The technology is anticipated to make desalination in Algeria less energy-intensive and more sustainable. (Afrik21)
AUSTRALIA – The New South Wales (NSW) Government is initiating investigations into doubling the capacity of Sydney's Desalination plant to enhance drought resilience and support population growth. Currently, 85% of Sydney's water supply relies on rainfall, making the expansion crucial for diversifying water sources. The proposed upgrade aims to add 246,575 m3/d to the network, potentially increasing the plant's contribution from 15% to 30%, delivering 500,000 m3/d. This initiative aligns with the Greater Sydney Water Strategy's focus on investing in non-rain dependent alternatives. The first stage of planning is set to begin shortly, with a renewable energy commitment for the plant upgrade. (NSW government)
U.S.A. – The City of Fort Bragg in California is investing in desalination, driven by previous water scarcity issues in 2015 and 2021. Fort Bragg is exploring projects, with one utilizing wave-powered technology from Oneka Technologies, a Canadian company. Oneka's wave-powered desalination method avoids fossil fuel use and electricity conversion steps. The Fort Bragg project is not the first wave-powered desalination project that Oneka has deployed, but it is the first in California, and it may not be the last in the state. The California Department of Water Resources has granted $1.49 million for this pilot project, and if successful, further funding will be sought for expansion. (KRCR)
MOROCCO – Morocco is set to develop its second-largest desalination plant in Nador, with a planned capacity of 684,931 m3/d. The Nador desalination plant will be powered by renewable energies, aligning with Morocco's commitment to environmentally friendly water production. As part of an emergency drought-response program, Morocco has constructed a waterway from the Sebou basin to a dam near Rabat, supporting water supply in Casablanca and aiding irrigation in farming areas. The comprehensive plan from 2020 to 2027, with a $14 billion allocation, focuses on building desalination plants, dams, and improving water supply in rural areas, reflecting Morocco's dedication to addressing water scarcity and enhancing water infrastructure. (Pumps Africa)
A solar thermal desalination inaugurated in Zaris, Tunisia. Credit: Irada
TUNISIA – Tunisia has inaugurated Desaltec-z1, an innovative solar thermal water desalination plant located at the Slim oil mill in Zarzis. The plant, part of a regional project promoting sustainable industrial and agricultural development, uses reverse osmosis to desalinate well water, powered by solar thermal energy. The plant has a capacity of 74.4 m3/d, with an efficiency rate of over 73%, reducing salinity by 90%. The plant's solar thermal energy consumption is 2 kWh per 1 m3 of water, offering remote control, effective brine discharge management, and reduced salinity levels. (Afrik21)
IRAQ – Iraq is planning to construct a 3,000 MW power plant and a one million cubic meters per day (m3/day) water desalination facility in the Southern Al-Faw Peninsula. The project aims to provide water and power supplies to the Peninsula, Basra Governorate, and other areas in South Iraq. The facilities are intended to support the ongoing development of one of the world's largest container terminals in the region. Basra Governor Asaad Idani stated that the projects are set to be awarded before the end of the year. Iraq's Transport Minister Razzak Al-Saadwai reported that 76% of the Faw Port's five main piers have been completed, and the port is scheduled for inauguration in 2025. (ZAWYA)
CHINA – ACWA Power has signed seven cooperation agreements with Chinese firms during the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. The agreements cover solar, green hydrogen, and water desalination projects. ACWA Power has been collaborating with Chinese investors, financiers, EPC contractors, and material suppliers, and the new agreements reinforce the commitment to collaborative sustainable development. The signed entities include State Power Investment Corporation, Bank of China, Power China Group, Energy China Group, and Jinko Solar. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, aims to increase connectivity and trade between participating nations. (Renewable Energy Magazine)