Introduction
Desalination projects are complex, capital-intensive, and fraught with risk. Based on lessons learned from projects over the past decade—including the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project—industry experts have developed a comprehensive roadmap for successful project development.
The Five-Step Development Process
1. Diagnosis
The initial phase involves performing a water balance to identify the water deficit and generating emergency plans and water usage restrictions. This foundational step ensures the project addresses real needs and establishes a clear baseline for success.
2. Planning and Development
This phase establishes a clear definition of the water deficit and impacted areas. Key considerations include:
- Brine management solutions
- Permitting requirements and timeline
- Coordination with local energy providers
- Stakeholder engagement
- Environmental baseline studies
3. Pre-feasibility Study
This is one of the most critical phases. It focuses on:
- Plant location selection using multicriteria analysis (MCA) supported by GIS tools
- Capacity determination and phasing strategy
- Conceptual process solutions
- Trade-off analysis for optimum project location
Variables include land use, right of way, local communities, intake and outfall solutions, marine environment, power supply, and product distribution.
4. Procurement Strategy
This step outlines project delivery options:
- Progressive Design-Build (PDB)
- Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
- Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT)
- Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
The Aqaba-Amman project, for example, uses a BOT model with 26 years of operation before transfer to government ownership.
5. Site and Environmental Evaluation
Discharge permitting is “one of the most critical activities in seawater desalination projects”. Requirements include:
- Marine baseline studies including seawater characterization, currents, winds, and bathymetry
- Treatment of chemicals and waste from pretreatment processes
- Post-construction compliance testing for brine monitoring
Parameters include flow rate, conductivity, temperature, pH, oxygen, and chlorine.
Cost Drivers
Factors that significantly influence construction costs include:
- Seawater intake and outfall design
- Plant location
- Power supply connection
- Brine management and disposal
- Environmental regulations
- Water quality requirements
“The intake and outfall are a substantial portion of the cost of desalination projects”, emphasizing the importance of early site evaluation and design optimization.
Sustainable Intake Solutions
For small to midsized plants, subsurface solutions using beach wells and slant wells represent “the most sustainable way to extract seawater”. The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project in California, for example, incorporates slant wells for seawater intake.
Conclusion
Successful desalination projects follow a structured development process that addresses technical, environmental, financial, and stakeholder considerations from the outset. Following this roadmap significantly increases the likelihood of project success.