Water. Desalination + reuse
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/1085636
Oman is future-proofi ng its water networks Country is swi ly reducing reliance on thermal desalination in favour of reverse osmosis for cost reasons Oman has been modernising and future-proo ng its water system for a number of years. The most recent seven-year statement (2018-2024) from Oman Power and Water Company (OPWP) details the strategy to upgrade and expand the water network, including adding signi cant new desalination capacity. The projected rise in the water- demand-versus-supply gap is as high as 11 per cent in some regions over the coming years (see page 14). Four separate water networks operate in Oman, serving 11 governorates. The largest is the Main Interconnected System (MIS) which serves the largest population area and the greatest demand for potable water in Oman. It's an integrated system supplying the governorates of Muscat, Batinah South, Ad Dakhiliyah, Batinah North, and Al Buraymi, and will expand to Ad Dhahirah by 2020. The MIS is organised into three supply zones, Muscat zone, Barka zone and Sohar zone. Water demand (measured by peak demand) in Muscat zone is expected to rise on average by 5 per cent a year to 2024. In Barka zone it's nine per cent and in Sohar it's 11 per cent. The rises are driven by expected population growth and rising industrial and agricultural demand. In Oman, 94 per cent of water used in farming and 2 per cent by industry; the remaining 4 per cent is household use. The population is 4.5 million and the number grows strongly year-on-year. The programme of development for desalination is favouring reverse osmosis over thermal technology. OPWP is expected to tender 119 MIGD (541,000 m3/d) of new reverse osmosis (RO) capacity during 2019. That's 66 MIGD (300,000 m3/d) at the Al Ghubrah III project and 44 MIGD (200,000 m3/d) at North Batinah. "The shi™ to RO in Oman is driven by the high value that is placed on gas there. They export gas and gain revenue from it and therefore it has a value. The more you value gas, the more you see steam as expensive. RO is a more viable and cheaper alternative," explains Poyry head of management consulting Middle, East Brendan Cronin. The concern that pre-treatment for RO could have problems owing to the characteristics of Omani seawater have not materialised, giving the technology a further boost. The contract on an existing thermal plant at Sohar is due to expire in 2021 and is unlikely to be extended. This means that by 2022, all desalination plants operating in Oman will be ROs. The government has further outlined its aim to restructure the water sector into a number of regional companies. OPWP's future role as procurer of desalination capacity will be determined through this process. March 2019 Water. desalination + reuse On Site13 OMAN'S 11 GOVERNORATES Ad Dakhiliyah Ad Dhahirah Al Batinah North Al Batinah South Al Buraimi Al Wusta Ash Sharqiyah North Ash Sharqiyah South Dhofar Muscat Musandam