Singapore’s 5th desalination plant on Jurong Island: what we know so far

July 22, 2016
While all eyes and ears of the desalination community are focusing upon utility PUB’s decision for its high profile fourth desalination plant in Marina East, the fifth project is equally as interesting...

SINGAPORE - While all eyes and ears of the desalination community are focusing upon utility PUB’s decision for its high profile fourth desalination plant in Marina East, the fifth project is equally as interesting.

Set to be located on Jurong Island, the 137,000 m3/day project is expected to be tendered shortly.

However, the project will not include land for the desalination plant as the island is currently fully occupied by industrial companies.

As a result, the project will have to be co-located with existing industrial facilities, leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms to already be in discussion with companies on the island, WWi understands.

Speaking about the Jurong Island developments at the Singapore International Water Week, Masagos Zulkifli, minister for the environment and water resources, said: “It’s important for us to be close to a power system or power grid. By co-locating, we will be able to use either the steam generator, or the electricity that we can get directly from the power plant.”

Such a development could put companies already well versed in thermal desalination projects – off-taking heat from power plants to produce water – well positioned to bid.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s fourth desalination plant in Marina East has certainly become high profile and the result will no doubt be a politically important one for national water agency PUB.

Home grown Singaporean company Hyflux delivered the nation's first two desalination projects – SingSpring and Tuaspring, while Singapore civil engineering company HSL is currently delivering the third (read WWi story).

Various industry commentators told WWi that if a Singapore firm was to win the Marina East contract, it would send out a strong signal to the international community and could show a bias towards Singapore firms.

The Marina East variable salinity plant will treat two different sources of water: seawater from the Singapore Straits or raw water from the Marina Reservoir.

It was in April when Black & Veatch was appointed to provide consultancy services on the development (read WWi story).

Harry Seah, chief technology officer at PUB, told WWi: “The Marina East variable salinity plant is very exciting because we’re exploiting the technology where this particular plant you can switch between freshwater and seawater. So if it rains the plant treats freshwater. If it’s during a dry period it treats the seawater. It’s a two-in-one plant. This concept of a variable salinity plant is something that was developed internally at PUB.”

By 2060, desalinated water is expected to provide up to 85% of Singapore’s water needs.

###

[Image credit: JTC]

Read more

Fourth desalination plant tender opens in Singapore

PUB to build fourth desalination plant in Singapore

Singapore’s third desalination project to be delivered by HSL Constructor

Singapore to build third desalination plant

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.

Sponsored Recommendations

ArmorBlock 5000: Boost Automation Efficiency

April 25, 2024
Discover the transformative benefits of leveraging a scalable On-Machine I/O to improve flexibility, enhance reliability and streamline operations.

Rising Cyber Threats and the Impact on Risk and Resiliency Operations

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

SmartSights WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track