GS Inima consortium inks Oman desalination plant deal
MUSCAT, May 15, 2024
Spanish utility major GS Inima has announced that it has signed an agreement with Oman's Nama Power and Water Procurement for the development of third phase of Ghubrah, the largest desalination plant in the sultanate.
The RO125 million ($324 million) project is being developed as a consortium led by GS Inima with partners Saudi-based Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Omani construction group Sogex under the Capital Desalination Company umbrella.
On completion, Ghubrah III will boast a production capacity of 300,000 cu m per day of desalinated water.
The agreement was signed by Marta Verde, CEO of GS Inima and Chairperson of the Capital Desalination Company, and Ahmed bin Salem bin Mohammed Al Abri in the presence of Dr Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources,
As the EPC contractor, GS Inima will be reponsible for the design and construction of the plant. The commercial operations are likely to start in the first quarter of 2027.
A world benchmark in the water sector with more than fifty years of experience, GS Inma is one of the leading companies globally in water desalination and treatment, and a pioneer in desalination by reverse osmosis.
Verde expressed delight at being a partner in developing energy and water projects in the sultanate and valued Nama's trust in developing an important project like the Ghubrah III desalination plant.
"We are aware of the importance of this project and how it will contribute to prevent water scarcity. This is an example of good work and cooperation between the government and the private sector, based in anticipating and addressing the population needs to cover them with the most efficient solutions," she stated.
"Our commitment is fully aligned with the Sultanate of Oman to help in achieving its strategy and objectives," she added.
Al Abri said this agreement confirmed Nama's commitment to meeting the growing demand for water and electricity and continuous work on implementing new projects to achieve energy security and provide fresh water through expanding the production of energy and desalinated water at the best economic cost.
The plant's area exceeds 70,000 sq m and includes a potable water tank with a capacity of 45,000 cu m per day, he added.
Sogex Oman CEO Dr Suhaib Abudayyeh said: "The engineering capabilities, technical expertise, and extensive experience in the water desalination field possessed by the alliance companies of Ghubrah III would contribute to enhancing the plant's operational efficiency and reducing production costs."
A major player in the region, GS Inma said it remained fully committed to water supply and sustainable development in Oman.
"GS Inima will have a water production capacity of 400,000 cu m/day in the country between the Barka V and Ghubrah III desalination plants. It prioritises sustainability by adhering to the highest standards, including providing practical design solutions, minimising power consumption and enhancing quality through water quality control systems in operation and maintenance," remarked Verde.
"By combining all our experiences, this consortium will optimize the works and will introduce in Oman the most disruptive technology available in the market," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
