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The Maldives plans to build its first subsea desalination plant by mid-2027, with the facility designed to draw seawater from a depth of 500 metres.
Mariyam Adheela
MALÉ: The Maldives is planning to construct its first deep-sea desalination plant by mid-2027, with the facility expected to draw seawater from 500 metres below the surface to help meet growing demand for fresh water in the capital region.
The project is being developed by the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Limited (MWSC) in partnership with Norwegian subsea desalination technology company FLOCEAN.
The technology uses the naturally high pressure found deep underwater to reduce the energy required for desalination, while the cleaner seawater at greater depths could also reduce maintenance needs.
Project officials said the system could help overcome the limited availability of land for conventional desalination facilities in the Maldives.
MWSC plans to connect the desalinated water network to Malé and Hulhumalé through pipelines laid alongside the Thilamalé Bridge.
A central storage facility is also planned on either Thilafushi or Gulhifalhu to supply water to Malé and nearby port facilities.
MWSC and FLOCEAN are currently conducting financial and technical feasibility assessments. Local engineers are also expected to travel to Norway for operational training at an existing subsea facility.
Managing Director Hussain Fahumy said the project is being assessed for its financial feasibility, while highlighting potential benefits including lower energy use and easier discharge of brine into the sea.
