Hitachi consortium to develop Asia’s largest seawater desalination project

A consortium comprising Hitachi, Itochu and Hyflux have signed an agreement with Dahej SEZ (DSL), the management company of Dahej Special Economic Zone in the Indian state of Gujarat, to co-develop a seawater desalination project.

The project, touted to be the largest seawater desalination project in Asia, aims to resolve shortages of industrial water supplied to companies setting up operations in Dahej, through a seawater desalination process.

The Japanese and Indian governments are promoting the project, as part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project, which also involves the construction of industrial parks between the cities, utilising funds from private sector.

A feasibility study has been completed to determine the commercial feasibility of the desalination project, which is supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The consortium will continue the discussions regarding the water purchase agreement between DSL and the consortium, and towards the financial close.