South Africa: TNPA Launches Solar-Powered Desalination Plant For Enhanced Freshwater Supply In East London

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is embarking on a pioneering project with the development of a revolutionary Water Desalination Plant aimed at bolstering the reliability of freshwater provision to users of South Africa’s sole river port, the Port of East London.

TNPA has awarded a R60 million contract to a Joint Venture comprised of Norland Civil Engineers and Contractors and Impact Water Solutions (PTY) Ltd (IWS), trading as Sun Water East London, to construct and manage the solar-powered water desalination plant over a span of seven years.

Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Advocate Phyllis Difeto, expressed, “The implementation of this innovative water solution marks a significant stride in advancing our port infrastructure and aims to decrease TNPA’s dependence on external sources for freshwater supply. This initiative aligns with our strategic objectives of fortifying utilities supply resilience and ensuring utilities supply security by 2029.”

The groundbreaking seawater desalination facility will produce 0.5 mega litres (ML) per day, converting seawater into potable water meeting stringent drinking quality standards.

Central to this endeavor is TNPA’s utilization of renewable energy to complement existing energy sources. Advocate Difeto emphasized, “The integration of solar-power technology is poised to drive down operational costs.”

South African company Impact Water Solutions (PTY) Ltd (IWS), with its extensive experience in water sector services, will spearhead the development, financing, construction, and operation of decentralized water infrastructure, seamlessly integrating renewable energy with cutting-edge water technologies.

Partnering with IWS, Norland Civil Engineers and Contractors, specializing in concrete reservoirs, pipelines, and other earthworks, brings engineering expertise and top-notch equipment to ensure impeccable construction quality and timely delivery. With a Level 1 B-BBEE scorecard, Norland has embraced empowerment principles.

The project is anticipated to generate approximately 100 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with prospects for further expansion, benefiting the East London community.