Jersey Water has submitted a formal planning application for works associated with the modernisation of the La Rosière desalination plant.
The Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plant was constructed in 1999, replacing the original desalination plant constructed in 1970. Some of the RO process equipment is now reaching the end of its serviceable life. In the past decade, sea water RO technology has advanced significantly with major reductions in energy requirements. The plans Jersey Water has submitted include updating the process plant to modern standards, which will produce significant improvement in efficiency.
The desalination plant is a standby facility and operates infrequently when water resources can become limited in times of prolonged dry periods and drought. Given the Island is dependent on surface water for its public water supply, with only 120 days of storage capacity in its reservoirs, the sea water desalination plant is an essential alternative source of water.
The proposed works comprise the installation of an additional pressure filter, replacement RO membranes, high pressure pumps and energy recovery equipment. The works planned will allow an increase in fresh water production from the present 6 million litres per day to 10.8 million litres. The modified plant will result in a 36% reduction in energy use. The project will cost £6 million, but this will not affect customers’ bills.
Jersey Water’s Managing Director & Engineer, Howard Snowden said ‘the project has significant benefits for increased energy efficiency, whilst improving the resilience of Island’s public water supply in times of low rainfall and drought. The project is planned to commence in 2015 with completion in the spring of 2016’.
The only external works planned on site are the provision of an additional pressure filter vessel and replacement larger pipe lines. All other works planned are within the existing site buildings. The existing sea water intake system, transfer pipe lines and the fresh water pipe line to Val de la Mare Reservoir are already capable of the additional water flow rates that will be possible after work is completed. Works being undertaken during this time will not affect any day to day supply to Jersey Water customers.
For further information please contact:
Howard Snowden, Managing Director and Engineer
[email protected]
T: 01534 707300