Zarat Desalination Plant, Tunisia
Strengthening Regional Water Security
The Zarat Desalination Plant in Tunisia is a state-of-the-art facility developed to meet the growing water demands of the southern region. Executed by WABAG in partnership with SONEDE under a Design, Build, and Operate (DBO) contract and funded by KfW Germany, this large-scale Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant marks a milestone in Tunisia’s water infrastructure transformation.
Designed for a base capacity of 50,000 m³/day, expandable to 100,000 m³/day, the project harnesses advanced reverse osmosis technology with energy recovery systems to ensure efficient and sustainable operation. The plant’s modern design and infrastructure make it one of the most advanced projects delivered by leading Water Desalination Companies in North Africa.
Project Overview – Delivering Sustainable Solutions for Water Demands
Tunisia’s southern regions have long faced water scarcity due to arid climatic conditions and limited freshwater availability. The Zarat Desalination Plant was conceived as a strategic solution to secure a sustainable water supply for domestic and industrial use. Built on a turnkey basis, the facility integrates an offshore seawater intake, a treated water reservoir, brine discharge systems, and a high-capacity pumping station.
With its modern Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant design and comprehensive infrastructure, the project contributes significantly to regional water security and climate resilience.
Scope of SWRO Desalination Plant
Complete Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply, Installation, Commissioning, Training, and Operation support for a 50,000 m³/day Desalination Plant, expandable to 100,000 m³/day.
Technologies involved in SWRO Desalination Plant
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- Seawater Intake System: Offshore intake tower and 1.65 km intake pipe with inlet chamber.
- Pre-Treatment: Pressure Dual Media Filtration and Pressure Sand Filtration.
- Desalination: Reverse Osmosis with high-efficiency membranes.
- Energy Recovery: Pressure Exchanger (ERD) for optimal energy utilization.
- Post-Treatment: Calcite upflow filter for re-mineralization.
- Brine Discharge: Seawater outfall through diffusers.
These features ensure that the Desalination Plant operates with high reliability and minimal environmental impact.
Engineering Highlights and Features
The Zarat Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant stands out for its robust engineering and adaptability:
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- Expandable Capacity: Designed for 50,000 m³/day, with provision to double capacity.
- Energy Efficiency: Incorporates advanced energy recovery devices to reduce power consumption.
- Comprehensive Infrastructure: Includes seawater intake and discharge systems, a transfer pumping station, and a high-voltage substation.
- Durability: Built to withstand harsh coastal and saline environments, ensuring long-term performance.
Social and Environmental Impact
The Zarat Desalination Plant plays a pivotal role in improving quality of life and supporting Tunisia’s economic development:
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- Reliable Water Supply: Strengthens access to potable water in southern Tunisia.
- Economic Growth: Supports agriculture, industry, and urban development.
- Sustainability: Reduces dependency on overexploited groundwater.
- Regional Stability: Enhances resilience against droughts and climate change.
Zarat Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant – A Landmark for North Africa
The Zarat Desalination Plant exemplifies how innovation, efficiency, and global collaboration can solve regional water challenges. As one of the most modern Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plants in Africa, it represents WABAG’s commitment to delivering sustainable water solutions alongside leading Water Desalination Companies.
This Desalination Plant not only secures water for Tunisia’s present but also lays the foundation for a sustainable, water-secure future.