World’s largest reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant with capacity of 500,000 cubic meters per day to provide drinking water for 5 million people
Singapore, June 22, 2009 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth US$28 million from environmental solutions company Hyflux Limited for a turnkey electrical solution to power the world’s largest membrane-based reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant.
The Magtaa desalination plant is being constructed in the western Oran region of Algeria. It will have a designed capacity of 500,000 cubic meters per day of drinking water to serve about 5 million people. The project is part of the Algerian Government’s effort to provide clean drinking water to its growing population.
“Fresh water is not always available where we need it and the technology exists for us to effectively manage the increasing demand for scarce water resources. With ABB’s energy efficient electrical technology, it is a privilege for us to support Hyflux, to help produce clean drinking water to meet the needs of the growing population in Algeria,” said James Foo, President and Country Manager of ABB.
As part of the contract, ABB will set up a 220kV outdoor substation to provide power to the facility and also supply products such as power transformers, medium-voltage drives and a range of medium and low-voltage switchgears. ABB will be responsible for the design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of the electrical plant system. The project is scheduled for completion by 2011.
“Besides powering the water treatment facility, ABB’s technologies will help to enhance plant performance by addressing critical operational needs such as minimizing down time and optimizing energy consumption to improve efficiency,” said Franz-Josef Mengede, Head of ABB’s global Power Generation business in the Power Systems division.
“Energy and operational efficiencies are critical factors in the way we design, operate and maintain our plants. Hyflux will be working closely with ABB, to optimize the energy usage of our Magtaa facility and to ensure that plant delivers optimal performance,” said Mr Sam Ong, Deputy CEO & CFO, Hyflux Group.
Hyflux Limited is one of the world’s leading technology-driven environmental companies, with operations and projects in water as well as in renewable resources management. The Singapore-based company will build, own and operate the Magtaa plant.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people. ABB Singapore, established in 1971 is part of the ABB Group and employs about 900 people.