World’s First Large-scale Desalination Plant for Sea and Freshwater

The world’s first large-scale desalination plant that can treat both seawater and freshwater being built by Keppel in Singapore will start operations in 2020.

The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, said to be the first of its kind in the world, will be capable of treating both seawater and freshwater. Photo: Artist's impression/Keppel

That same year, the fifth desalination plant on Jurong Island will also open. 

Construction for the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant kicked off on June 29. Located near the Marina Coastal Expressway and East Coast Parkway, it will be able to draw freshwater from the nearby Marina reservoir, as well as seawater, and can treat 30 million gallons of water a day.

It is Singapore’s fourth desalination plant to be built, after two existing plants in Tuas. The third plant, also in Tuas, will be ready by year-end, and a fifth plant, to be located on Jurong Island, is targeted for a 2020 completion date as well.

Depending on weather conditions, either freshwater or seawater will be drawn into the plant. During wetter seasons, freshwater from the reservoir will be drawn, while seawater will be tapped upon during dry spells.

Situated beside Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network, linking East Coast Park and the eastern end of Gardens By The Bay, the underground water treatment plant will be topped by a rooftop lawn, which will be open to the public. There will also be a private viewing gallery in the plant, accessible from ground level, added Keppel, which will own and operate the plant.

To the south of the Marina Reservoir and to the east of Marina Barrage will be the plant’s dual-flow chamber. The ground above it will be built as a playground, the company added.

Keppel did not disclose how much the project cost. It would only say that it was funded through project financing and internal cash within the company.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli said the Republic demand for water is expected to more than double by 2060.

To this end, the authorities will be "ramping up our capacities of NEWater and desalination" to meet up to 55 per cent and 30 per cent of water demand by 2060, respectively. This is up from the current 40 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

Read more: Today Online