Desalination Plant Possible in 2020

Secretary for Development Paul Chan says a planning and investigation study for a desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O will be completed by the end of next year. Speaking to lawmakers today, Mr Chan said the plant will open in 2020 at the earliest. The study scope covers detailed feasibility studies, preliminary design and cost-effectiveness analysis.

The proposed plant will have an output capacity of 50 million cubic metres per annum, with provisions for future expansion to 90 million. On the basis of a population of about 7.6 million in 2020, as projected by the Census & Statistics Department, and accounting for the estimated savings achieved by various water demand management initiatives, total fresh water demand will be about 990 million cubic metres.

“With an annual output capacity of 50 million cubic metres, the desalination plant will cover about 5% of total demand in 2020. The amount of water supplied from other water sources should not exceed the current levels,” he said.

Mr Chan also said the quality of Dongjiang water is closely monitored by the Water Supplies Department and Guangdong authorities. Regular monitoring results indicate water quality consistently complies with standards.