UF/RO desalination plant to help modernise Basra, Iraq

Jan. 29, 2014
As part of several national plans to modernize basic services, the Iraqi Ministry for Municipalities and Public Works has contracted Veolia to build and operate a 200,000 m3/day desalination plant over five years...

Following years of limited water resources and conflict, Iraq is now focusing its efforts on improving water and wastewater sectors.

As part of several national plans to modernize basic services, the Iraqi Ministry for Municipalities and Public Works has contracted Veolia to build and operate a 200,000 m3/day desalination plant over five years.

Worth $115 million, the plant will supply water to 2.3 million people and will use ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes.

The contract was won in partnership with Japanese conglomerate Hitachi and Egyptian engineering firm ArabCo.

Due to Iraq facing electricity shortages, plans are in place for the desalination plant to have its own electricity generators to ensure continuous service.

With the country's sole access to the sea, Basra is the subject of special attention from the Iraqi government, which is modernizing the port city in a bid to speed up its economic growth.

Construction work on the plant is due to commence in the first quarter of 2014 and should be completed by the middle of 2016. The construction and operation of the facility will create 350 jobs.

Jean-Michel Herrewyn, director, global enterprises, Veolia Environnement, said the provided technology will help Basra to “enable it to improve its citizens' access to quality drinking water while protecting its resources”.

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Industrial markets to power Veolia Water’s Future Veolia Environnement sold off its UK regulated water activities - one of its earliest international operations - for £1.2 billion. And in three years the group saw a 35% increase in industrial activity. Is this a sign that the company is favouring the industrial technology supplier to service provider model? WWi caught up with its water group CEO, Jean-Michel Herrewyn, to find out…

Restoring water & wastewater systems in Iraq Water resources expert Alan Palmer of Stanley Consultants recently returned from Iraq and recounts his insights on the first steps taken in reconstruction efforts while working in the US Coalition Provisional Authority's Program Management Office…

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.

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