PUB calls for proposals to build second NEWater plant at Changi

SINGAPORE — The PUB is inviting local and international firms to submit proposals for the construction of the second NEWater plant at Changi. To be completed by 2016, the plant will add another 50 million gallons of NEWater a day to Singapore’s water supply.

Like the first Changi NEWater plant, it will use the same NEWater process developed by the national water agency. NEWater is ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water produced using advanced membrane technologies.

In a statement yesterday, the agency said the plant’s main process facilities will be built mostly on the rooftop of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant, which will save on land and cost.

The successful bidder will have a 25-year agreement to supply NEWater to PUB, beginning 2016.

Currently, NEWater meets 30 per cent of Singapore’s daily water needs of 400 million gallons. This is set to increase to 55 per cent in the long term, and the remaining water supply will come from desalinated water or treated seawater, imported water and local catchment. By 2060, NEWater and desalinated water will meet up to 80 per cent of the nation’s water demand.

PUB Director of Best Sourcing Koh Boon Aik said: “Increasing NEWater capacity is necessary to meet the growing water demand and strengthen the resilience of Singapore’s water supply.”

He added: “We have been adopting the Public-Private Partnership model to expand our water supply system in a cost-competitive manner since 2005. These projects have been highly successful, ensuring a high quality and reliable water supply in the most cost-effective manner as they tap on the private sector’s expertise as well as their capacity and flexibility to innovate.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA