Transnet has approved further studies into the establishment of a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant at the Port of Cape Town’s Quay 700 area.
Cape Town remains a water scarce region, having just emerged from its worst drought since 1904. Although good rainfall in 2018 and the substantial reduction in usage has allowed for municipal restrictions to be reduced, the region’s dependence on dam water could result in similar shortfalls in future. “The port is confident that the municipality will ensure a water resilient region through a mix of water sources. In the meantime, we have considered a few options to ensure economic sustainability. One of these options is a SWRO plant for port use. This is currently being explored in conjunction with various regulatory authorities and has received support from Transnet to proceed with further studies,” said Captain Alex Miya, TNPA’s Cape Town acting Port Manager. The port has also been assisting the City with studies and potential site availability for a permanent desalination plant.Miya explains that the next steps would be to appoint consultants to conduct studies that could be concluded by September 2019. If the SWRO plant is found to be a viable option, it could be introduced by the end of 2020.
The proposed desalination plant is expected to provide between 1 MLD to 3 MLD. In the meantime, Alex Miya said the port would continue to coordinate its approach with the City of Cape Town’s initiatives to supply extra water.
