Desalination in Chile: Learning from Australia and the Potential of the Coquimbo Desalination Plant Project

Chile, a country defined by its vast coastline and arid regions, faces mounting challenges in water security due to climate change and growing demand. While desalination has played a pivotal role in the mining industry, its application for urban water consumption remains limited. In this context, the planned concession for the desalination plant in the Coquimbo Region represents a transformative opportunity. By looking at Australia's approach to desalination for human consumption, Chile can gain valuable insights into achieving water security and resilience.

The Current Landscape of Desalination in Chile

In Chile, desalination has predominantly served the mining sector, where major projects supply water to mining operations in regions like Antofagasta and Atacama. Only two desalination plants currently provide water for human consumption: one in Antofagasta and another in Tocopilla. Despite their success, these remain exceptions rather than the norm. Chile’s heavy reliance on overexploited freshwater sources underscores the need for expanded desalination projects that address broader urban needs.

Australia's Desalination Success: A Model for Chile

Australia has embraced desalination as a cornerstone of its water strategy, particularly in cities like Sydney and Adelaide. These projects highlight the country’s ability to combine advanced technology, environmental stewardship, and public-private collaboration.

• Adelaide Desalination Plant: This plant, one of the largest and most advanced in Australia, was designed to provide up to 100 GL of drinking water annually. Its infrastructure includes reverse osmosis technology, energy recovery systems, and renewable energy integration to minimise environmental impacts. Beyond water security, it serves as a vital backup during droughts, ensuring Adelaide’s resilience in dry conditions.
• Sydney Desalination Plant: Designed to produce 250 million litres of potable water daily, this project includes an innovative 1.5 km underwater pipeline to connect the plant to the city’s water network. McConnell Dowell’s involvement in its construction showcases the role of experienced engineering firms in delivering world-class infrastructure.
• Gold Coast Desalination Plant: This Queensland facility plays a vital role during droughts and emergencies, demonstrating the flexibility of desalination as a backup resource.
• Perth and Southern Seawater Desalination Plants: These projects collectively meet nearly half of Perth's water needs, highlighting the scalability and reliability of desalination for urban centres.

Lessons for Chile

1. Drought Resilience: Like Australia, Chile faces prolonged droughts. Desalination plants for human consumption can provide a reliable water source for urban areas, mitigating reliance on overdrawn aquifers and reservoirs.
2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Australia’s success demonstrates the importance of PPPs in financing, constructing, and operating desalination facilities. Chile’s concession model aligns with this approach, offering opportunities for foreign expertise and investment.
3. Sustainability and Innovation: Incorporating energy recovery and renewable energy in desalination processes, as seen in Adelaide and Perth, can reduce the environmental footprint, enhance the sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of desalination projects.
4. Community Engagement: Transparent communication and stakeholder involvement are critical to gaining public trust and support for desalination initiatives.

The Coquimbo Desalination Plant: A Vision for Chile’s Future

The Coquimbo Region’s desalination project is a significant step toward achieving water security for urban and multipurpose use. Key highlights include:

• Capacity: Designed to produce 1,200 litres per second, with an initial operational capacity of 800 litres per second for human consumption.
• Scope: The project encompasses marine intake systems, a reverse osmosis desalination plant, brine discharge systems, a 21.5 km water distribution pipeline, and an 8,000 m3 storage tank.
• Budget: Estimated at USD $350 million, with a concession term of up to 30 years.
• Environmental Considerations: The project includes a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and aims to minimise ecological impacts while enhancing sustainability.
• Timeline: Tender submissions are expected by late 2024, with construction starting in late 2026 and full operational status by 2029.

Overcoming Challenges in Chile

For desalination to thrive in Chile, several challenges must be addressed:

• Regulatory Alignment: Streamlined processes for approvals and permits will be crucial.
• Community Engagement: Transparent dialogue with local communities to address environmental and social concerns.
• Financial Strategies: Attracting investment through incentives and clear risk-sharing mechanisms.

A Call to Action for Australian Investors

The Coquimbo Desalination Plant represents a landmark project that aligns with the expertise of Australian firms. With advanced capabilities in desalination technologies, environmental management, and project execution, Australian companies have a unique opportunity to contribute to Chile’s water future. By participating in this project, they can strengthen their footprint in Latin America while supporting Chile’s transition to sustainable water management.

Conclusion

Chile stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward water resilience. By learning from Australia’s experience and adopting its innovative practices, Chile can transform its water infrastructure to meet the demands of a changing climate. The Coquimbo Desalination Plant offers a tangible solution and a symbol of progress—one that deserves the attention and collaboration of global leaders in desalination.