A consortium of Metito and Orascom Construction has secured a major deal to build a mega desalination plant in Abu Dhabi.
Together with ADNOC and TAQA, the Orascom Construction-led consortium will develop, own, and operate the plant.
This entire undertaking will cost $2.4 billion and consists of a large-scale seawater treatment and water transportation project.
The greenfield project will be funded through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model for 30 years. ADNOC and TAQA will jointly hold a 51% stake in the SPV, and Orascom Construction and Metito will own 49% (24.5% each).
The mega project will comprise a greenfield seawater nanofiltration plant with a treatment capacity of more than 110 million imperial gallons per day (500,000 m3/day) in addition to seawater intake and outfall facilities, pumping stations, and a water transmission pipeline of approximately 75km.
It will also include an in-field distribution network of more than 230km to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi.
The project will replace the current aquifer water injection systems used for maintaining reservoir pressure in ADNOC’s onshore oil fields, thereby ensuring sustainable water supply for ADNOC’s onshore operations while preserving the UAE’s natural aquifer resources.
The project will also enhance energy efficiency by up to 30% and reduce ADNOC’s environmental footprint compared to the current injection system.
