Delivering state-of-the-art Seawater Desalination Plant in Tunisia to address regional Water Demands

WABAG, in a Design, Build, and Operate (DBO) contract with SONEDE and funded by KFW Germany, has executed the construction of a sea water desalination plant in Tunisia. This facility, using advanced reverse osmosis technology with an energy recovery system, is set to address the region’s water demands. The project includes comprehensive infrastructure development, including sea water intake systems, brine discharge systems, a treated water reservoir with a transfer pumping station, and additional utilities.

WABAG has realized this plant on a turnkey basis in a demanding environment. Comprehensive works have been carried out to execute offshore seawater intake. In addition, HV/MV substation and road and utility works have been undertaken.

Project Highlights:

• Scope: Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Inspection & Testing in works, Supply, Installation supervision, Site testing & Supervision of Commissioning, Start-up, Spare parts, O&M manuals, training and warranty for a 50,000 m³/day seawater desalination plant with expansion capability, including related infrastructure and utility services.
• Technologies: State-of-the-art sea water reverse osmosis with energy recovery system:
  • Seawater intake system
  • Offshore intake tower
  • Seawater intake pipe
  • Inlet Chamber
  • Bar Screen with trash rack
  • Pumping station
• Pre-treatment:  Pressure Dual Media Filtration, Pressure Sand Filtration,
• Desalination by  Reverse Osmosis System,
• Energy recovery by  Pressure exchanger (ERD)
• Post-treatment: Remineralization by calcite upflow filter
• Seawater outfall for Brine discharge through diffuser
• Impact: Aims to significantly enhance Tunisia’s water supply capabilities, meeting growing water demands and contributing to regional water security.
• Features:
  • Expandable Capacity: Designed for a base capacity of 50,000 m³/day with potential expansion to 100,000 m³/day.
  • Energy Efficiency: Incorporates advanced energy recovery systems to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Comprehensive Infrastructure: Includes sea water intake and brine discharge systems, a treated water reservoir, a transfer pumping station, and a HV/MV substation.