Desalination plant to meet 5% of Hong Kong’s water demand
The eagerly awaited 136,000 m3/day Tseung Kwan O desalination plant has taken a step forward after the Hong Kong Government Water Supplies Department appointed Black & Veatch as the owner’s engineer.
The engineering consultancy will design and provide construction supervision across the first phase of the desalination plant, designed to meet 5% of Hong Kong’s water demand.
A second phase, producing a further 136,000 m3/day, is also planned.
Black & Veatch recently completed the plant’s feasibility study to identify opportunities to harness green energy that could reduce electricity costs.
The majority of Hong Kong’s water (over 70%) comes from the Dongjiang river basin in Southern China, with the rest coming from local catchments.
Although Hong Kong has a relatively high domestic consumption per capita compared to other developed cities, the cost to end users is low – providing little incentive to reduce how much they use.
Black & Veatch completed Hong Kong’s first desalination plant – the Lok On Paid Desalter – in 1976, which was later decommissioned in 1981 due to high operating costs and alternative water supply options.
Alan Man, vice president and managing director of Black & Veatch’s water business in Greater China, said: “Throughout the world new solutions are emerging that derive synergies across water, energy and waste resources. Energy is a high cost for water utilities and innovatively generated power can yield both financial and environmental benefits for the project.”
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About the Author
Tom Freyberg
Tom Freyberg is an experienced environmental journalist, having worked across a variety of business-to-business titles. Since joining Pennwell in 2010, he has been influential in developing international partnerships for the water brand and has overseen digital developments, including 360 degree video case studies. He has interviewed high level figures, including NYSE CEO’s and Environmental Ministers. A known figure in the global water industry, Tom has chaired and spoken at conferences around the world, from Helsinki, to London and Singapore. An English graduate from Exeter University, Tom completed his PMA journalism training in London.