Nemmeli Desalination Plant, India
Securing Chennai’s Water Future
The Nemmeli Desalination Plant in Chennai, India, is a landmark project that provides a sustainable solution to one of India’s largest metropolitan cities facing recurring water shortages. Developed for the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) under a Design-Build-Operate (DBO) model, this facility converts seawater from the Bay of Bengal into potable water through advanced Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant technology.
Originally designed for 100,000 m³/day, the capacity was later expanded to 110,000 m³/day to meet the growing needs of Chennai’s population and address rising Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels caused by climate variations. Built on a 9.32-hectare coastal site, the Desalination Plant today WABAG delivers clean water to over one million residents in the southern suburbs of Chennai, marking a milestone among India’s leading Water Desalination Companies.
Project Overview – Overcoming Water Scarcity through Innovation
Chennai’s dependence on erratic monsoons has made desalination a vital component of its water supply strategy. The Nemmeli Desalination Plant was established to provide a reliable source of potable water for both domestic and industrial users. The plant’s single-pass Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant design integrates advanced pre-treatment, energy recovery, and water reuse systems to ensure operational stability and environmental sustainability.
With >98% availability and robust automation, this Desalination Plant continues to serve as a dependable lifeline for the city’s 9-million-plus population.
Scope Of Desalination Plant
Design, build, and operate (DBO) contract for a capacity of 100,000 m³/day, later expanded to 110,000 m³/day.
Technological of Desalination Plant
- Pre-treatment: Flocculation, clarification, disc filtration (DF), and ultrafiltration (UF).
- Desalination: Single-pass Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant with energy recovery devices (pressure exchangers).
- Post-treatment: Re-mineralization using CO₂ and lime, followed by disinfection.
- Backwash Reuse: Recycling of wash water via lamella clarifiers for sustainable operation.
These process advancements make VA Tech WABAG one of the most efficient Water Desalination Companies’ installations in South Asia.
Engineering Performance and Efficiency
The Nemmeli Desalination Plant is engineered to handle seawater with a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 41,900 mg/l and temperatures between 24–32 °C. A 1,050 m offshore HDPE intake pipeline ensures steady raw water supply. Energy consumption averages 3.6–3.78 kWh/m³, supported by energy recovery units to minimize operational costs.
The plant achieves a product recovery rate of 45.4%, delivering consistent water quality (TDS < 500 mg/l) and maintaining positive Langelier Saturation Index (LSI).
Social and Environmental Impact
The Desalination Plant plays a transformative role in Chennai’s water resilience strategy:
- Safe Water Access: Provides drinking water for over one million residents.
- Climate Adaptation: Reduces dependence on monsoon rainfall.
- Sustainability: Reuses backwash water and optimizes energy efficiency.
- Economic Growth: Supports industrial and domestic needs, strengthening urban development.
Nemmeli Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plant – A Model for India’s Coastal Cities
The Nemmeli Desalination Plant demonstrates how innovation and technology can overcome chronic water scarcity. As one of India’s most successful Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Plants, it underscores the impact of advanced engineering, efficient design, and responsible operation by leading Water Desalination Companies.
This Desalination Plant continues to power Chennai’s growth story — one drop of sustainable water at a time.