Rotterdam Thermal Desalination Plant, The Netherlands
A Circular Approach to Industrial Water Sustainability
The Rotterdam Thermal Desalination Plant in The Netherlands stands among Europe’s pioneering industrial desalination facilities, combining innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Designed and executed by WABAG for AVR – Afvalverwerking Rijnmond, the project utilizes Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Plant technology powered by waste heat from incinerators.
With a capacity of 24,000 m³/day, this Thermal Desalination Plant produces high-purity process water for multiple industrial units at Rotterdam harbor. Commissioned in 1999, it continues to exemplify a circular and energy-efficient approach to seawater desalination, reinforcing WABAG’s leadership among the world’s premier Thermal Water Desalination Companies.
Harnessing Thermal Energy for Sustainable Water Production
At the heart of the Rotterdam Thermal Desalination Plant lies WABAG’s innovative integration of Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) with Horizontal Tube Evaporation (HTE) technology. The system operates under low-temperature conditions (<65°C), utilizing waste heat as the primary energy source, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
This Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Plant produces distillate water of ultra-high purity (<5 µS/cm conductivity), making it ideal for industrial use. Its design perfectly embodies the principles of resource circularity — converting industrial waste energy into a sustainable water source.
Project Scope of Thermal Desalination Plant
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- Complete design, engineering, supply, and installation of two Thermal Desalination Plant units for process water production using seawater as feed.
Treatment Process of Thermal Desalination Plant
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- Seawater pre-treatment and pre-heating for optimized feedwater quality.
- Horizontal Tube Evaporation (HTE) under low-temperature operations.
- Multi-effect steam generation and condensation for efficient thermal recovery.
- Production of distillate water with less than 5 µS/cm conductivity.
The system is engineered for long-term reliability, ensuring stable operation under varying industrial load requirements.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Stewardship
The Thermal Desalination Plant achieves exceptional energy efficiency by converting waste heat into usable energy for desalination. Its low-temperature MED process minimizes scaling and corrosion, extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Key benefits include:
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- Energy Optimization: Use of waste heat from industrial incinerators.
- Low Environmental Footprint: Reduced emissions and zero chemical discharge.
- Operational Economy: Lowered energy costs through high-efficiency heat recovery.
- Sustainability: Supports the industrial ecosystem of Rotterdam harbor through closed-loop resource utilization.
Such advancements position WABAG at the forefront of Thermal Water Desalination Companies driving sustainable industrial transformation.
Rotterdam Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Plant – Europe’s Model for Low-Energy Desalination
The Rotterdam Thermal Desalination Plant remains a landmark reference for integrating waste heat utilization and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Plant technology. It continues to set a benchmark for efficient, low-emission water production that supports industrial growth while preserving environmental balance.
Through this project, WABAG demonstrates its enduring commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence among leading Thermal Water Desalination Companies worldwide.