Hyflux opens Magtaa desalination plant in Algeria

Singapore-based Hyflux has officially opened Africa’s largest seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant in Magtaa, Algeria.

Claimed to feature the largest ultrafiltration pre-treatment facility in the world, the plant can desalinate 500,000m³ of seawater.

Hyflux will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the facility, which will use advanced RO membrane technology for water treatment.

The company has also signed a 25-year water purchase agreement with state-owned national public water entity L’Algerienne Des Eaux (ADE) and oil and gas company Sonatrach, which will see treated water from the facility supplied to Algeria’s second-largest city, Oran, and its neighbouring provinces.

Hyflux group chief executive Olivia Lum said: "It will be instrumental in meeting Algeria’s water needs.

"This project strengthens our presence in the region.

"It also demonstrates our technology, as well as engineering and construction capabilities, for municipalities in need of sustainable and cost-effective water solutions."

Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said: "This development is another laudable milestone for Singapore’s water industry and I look forward to more local water and environmental companies following in Hyflux’s footsteps."

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Image: Magtaa desalination plant, Algeria. Photo: courtesy of Hyflux Ltd.