ALGERIA – The Corso desalination plant in the Boumerdès region of Algeria is now fully operational with a capacity of 80,000 m3/d, according to the Algerian Energy Company (AEC). The plant, situated 25 km east of Algiers, reached its full capacity six months after partial commissioning. Initially, in April 2023, it had a capacity of 40,000 m3/d. The Corso desalination plant was constructed by AEC, Société Algérienne de Génie Civil et Bâtiment (GCB), and Cosider Canalisation, aiming to address water shortages in Corso. Algiers is also improving its water supply with the completion of the Bateau cassé and El Marsa desalination plants, each with capacities of 10,000 and 60,000 m3/d, respectively. Another plan for further desalination capacity in Algiers includes a 400,000 m3/day plant at Cap Djenat, a 250,000 m3/day plant to the west, and another 250,000 m3/day plant in the El Tar region. (Afrik21)
PHILIPPINES – Vivant Hydrocore Holdings Inc.'s subsidiary, Isla Mactan-Cordova Corp. (IMCC), aims to increase water supply in Cebu province by 20,000 m3/d through a P2-billion seawater desalination plant scheduled for completion by December. IMCC plans to provide water for about 20,000 Filipino households daily, with capacity potentially reaching 50,000 m3/d by early 2024. The desalination facility will use seawater reverse osmosis technology. The project, in partnership with the municipality of Cordova, aims to bridge the gap between water demand and supply while allowing natural replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Vivant Hydrocore previously secured a 25-year bulk water supply deal with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District in 2021, leading to the development of the desalination plant in collaboration with Watermatic Philippines. (Inquirer.net)
INDIA – The Tamil Nadu Government is considering building seawater desalination plants in the coastal districts of Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi due to increasing pressure on rivers as sources of drinking water. The State government is exploring this option to address water supply challenges exacerbated by erratic monsoons. Minister for Local Administration K.N. Nehru revealed plans to seek the Chief Minister's approval for desalination projects in these districts, which rely on infiltration wells for drinking water. Concerns about insufficient water supply persist in areas depending on rivers like Tamirabharani, Cauvery, and Vaigai. The proposed mega seawater desalination projects are expected to require an investment of $642 million or more. (The Hindu)
The Jubial 3B desalination plant, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Smart water magazine
SAUDI ARABIA – Acciona and its consortium partner Sepco 3 have launched the Jubail 3B desalination plant, achieving the milestone by activating power transformers and downstream switchgears. The plant, developed in collaboration with Al Jubail International Water Company and the Saudi Water Partnership Company, is equipped with reverse osmosis technology and has a daily capacity of 570,000 cubic meters to serve 2 million people in Riyadh and Qassim. The plant is expected to be fully operational by 2024. The reverse osmosis technology is noted for its economic and sustainable characteristics, using the same energy as a house's air conditioning system for desalinating 1 cubic meter of water. Acciona will also construct a 61 MWp solar photovoltaic installation next to the desalination plant, the largest such capability for a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the country's Vision 2030 and net-zero objectives. (Trade Arabia)
AUSTRALIA – Marine scientists from government and aquaculture groups gathered at an independent forum in Adelaide to discuss studies supporting SA Water's proposed desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula. The meeting involved representatives from SA Water, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), an independent Marine Science Review Panel, and scientific experts supporting local aquaculture groups. Topics discussed included far-field hydrodynamic modeling, marine assessments, particle tracking modeling, environmental monitoring, and ecotoxicity testing. SA Water aims to address feedback in its development application, which will undergo a comprehensive approval process involving multiple agencies and regulators. The utility emphasizes the importance of delivering a long-term climate-independent water security solution for the region. (Utility Magazine)