Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) has urged residents near to Barka desalination plant to conserve water amid an algal bloom that is threatening production.
In a statement on Twitter, PAEW said no interruption in supply had occurred, and that it was closely monitoring the situation. The so-called “red tide” is caused by noctiluca scintillans, or sea sparkle, which blooms in the Gulf of Oman during wintertime.
New desalination capacity of 281,000 m3/d at Barka (phase 4) is scheduled to open officially in April 2018. The design, build, own and operate contract was awarded to a consortium of Itochu Corp. (36 per cent) , Suez (27 per cent), Engie (27 Per cent), and W J Towell & Co (10 per cent), in March 2016.
Dow to supply RO elements to Barka desalination plant (September 2017)