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The Independent
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Why the environmental impacts of a boom in desalination are too big to ignore
As climate change makes rains more temperamental, and groundwater levels decline, the global water desalination industry is set for a boom period. Between 2025 and 2029, global desalination capacity is set to soar by one-quarter, shows data from Global Water Intelligence, while the value of the global desalination industry is set to increase from $15 billion in 2024 to $20bn in 2027. The projected 2029 global desalination capacity of 150 million cubic metres per day would be enough to meet current UK water demand several-times over. With some two billion people globally already lacking safe drinking water, and two-thirds of the world's population experiencing water shortages for at least one month per year, there are opportunities for desalination the world over. But it is in the nations of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) - and in particular wealthy Gulf nations - where the technology has truly been embraced. MENA is the driest region of the world, containing 16 of the world's 25 most water-stressed nations. It was in water-scarce Kuwait, which has no rivers and once was forced to ship freshwater in from its neighbour Iraq, that the first desalination plant was built in the region in 1951. Data shows that Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Kuwait are set to see the biggest growth in desalination capacity over the next five years. Saudi Arabia alone has plans in place to invest some $80bn in new projects, and the Kingdom consumes around 300,000 barrels of oil per day to power its desalination plants. MENA already accounts for around 70 per cent of global desalination capacity, and the region's largest plants are able to produce enough water to supply more than 1m people. Jordan is planning a project so large on the Gulf of Aqaba that it is set to supply enough water to meet the needs of a city of 2.5m people. Experts are increasingly warning, however, that the environmental costs of this booming technology are too big to ignore. The process of desalination produces highly concentrated brine as a waste product, and its disposal back into the sea in large volumes can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems. Reports suggest that waste water can be highly toxic, while areas where the water is discharged can become marine 'dead zones'. Christopher Gasson, from Global Water Intelligence, believes that these particular concerns have been overblown. 'The brine desalination plants produce is just concentrated seawater - it might not be nice for fish next to an outfall, but that's not dissimilar to the way that it is not nice for birds to fly through the plume of a power station cooling tower,' he says. 'With the right design the brine can be managed to minimse its impact on marine life.' The other key environmental concern is the high energy demand of desalination plants. Desalination is already responsible for 0.4 per cent of the world's electricity consumption, but that figure becomes much higher in certain countries, such as the 10 per cent of grid electricity that desalination plants consume in Israel. If the process is to become compatible with a net-zero future, it must be powered by renewables. But with most desalination plants lying in countries that have grown rich from oil and gas, some 95 per cent of energy currently powering desalination comes from fossil fuels, according to the International Energy Agency. In 2030, the energy required for desalination in MENA is set to be equivalent to around 80 billion cubic metres per year: A figure double the current gas production from UK North Sea gas fields. The industry is working hard to improve the energy efficiency of plants, with new membrane technology in reverse osmosis now four or five-times more energy efficient than traditional thermal distillation methods of desalination. Gulf nations have also made big promises to decarbonise their energy systems with solar electricity - though for now they remain highly reliant on the fossil fuels that they hold in abundance. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE used fossil fuels to generate 100 per cent, 99 per cent, 98 per cent, and 72 per cent of their electricity respectively in 2023 - compared to 33 per cent in the UK. The high energy demand and associated costs means that desalination remains largely the preserve of rich countries: Something that is a problem when the majority of the world's most water-scarce, climate vulnerable nations are low income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or small island states. But if energy efficiency continues to rapidly improve, then it holds the possibility of becoming a solution for far more countries. Indeed, Ghana, South Africa, and Namibia have already built their first plants, while this month Senegal confirmed plans to built its own first desalination facility.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New data from Global Water Intelligence reveals impact of hyperscale data center boom on onsite water consumption and unprecedented growth in water technology and infrastructure spending
OXFORD, United Kingdom, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New research from GWI has found that onsite water consumption for data center cooling is forecast to increase by just over 50% by 2030, despite data center capacity doubling over the same findings reflect significant efficiency gains in water use, with a shift to water-efficient cooling technologies. These technologies require higher quality water, and GWI therefore predicts that these strides in responsible water use will be supported by unprecedented double digit annual growth in water-related technology and infrastructure spending for data centers. Hybrid air-water cooling, as well systems designed for AI workloads, where chips are in direct contact with a water-based coolant, are increasingly the norm for data centers. Additionally there is a shift to lower-quality recycled water as the sector cuts its freshwater use. However, the extent of these efficiency gains is not globally balanced, nor are they always related to concerns of water stress. In India, for example, data center water use is set to more than double by 2030, posing major risks in a country already facing extreme water stress. Data centers can reduce their onsite water footprint by switching to dry cooling, but this drives up energy use, leading to greater indirect water consumption from power generation. As power demand continues to surge through 2030 and beyond, water-efficient cooling will be essential to the sustainable growth of data centers. Access the full dataset via our rich forecast data dashboard. Book a demo directly at For general inquiries contact: sales@ About Global Water Intelligence Global Water Intelligence (GWI) is the leading market intelligence and events company serving the international water industry. Over the last 25 years we have built our business around being a trusted interface between our clients and their markets, providing our customers with high-level intelligence that enables them to make the most informed strategic decisions for their business. We cover municipal markets and every industrial vertical as well as technology, finance and economics. GWI runs an advanced manufacturing conference focusing on semiconductors and data centers: CONTACT: Victor SmithCOMPANY: Global Water IntelligencePHONE: 01865 204208 EMAIL: sales@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Growth in municipal water investment steady but industry takes a hit amid US tariff uncertainty
OXFORD, United Kingdom, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest global water market forecast from Global Water Intelligence (GWI) extends projections to 2030, expecting global capital expenditure on water infrastructure to grow at a 3.8% 5-year CAGR despite the shock from United States trade tariffs. New data from GWI shows that despite uncertainty over the tariffs imposed by the US administration, urgent global drivers like water security concerns, regulation and ageing infrastructure mean utility spending has remained relatively insulated, with more impacts being felt in industrial water spending. GWI anticipates that heavy industries like chemicals manufacturing, refining & petrochemicals and other industrial manufacturing (including steel and automotives) are likely to be most negatively impacted by the global economic uncertainty, with a reduced water spending outlook as a result. However, the buildout of data centres to support AI is translating into growing water-related spending in related industries such as power generation. GWI has revised its forecast to account for higher growth in water capital expenditure for power generation in key data centre markets such as the US. Meanwhile, a combination of regulatory pressure, increasing water stress concerns and a rush to use EU money as a funding cycle ends is expected to see Europe's utility capital expenditure growth to 2030 outpace that of North America and East Asia/Pacific. The Middle East and Africa and Latin America are also expected to see solid growth on the back of water and wastewater treatment buildouts to expand service provision and address water scarcity. GWI forecasts are updated quarterly and are broken out by CAPEX vs OPEX, region, country, application, sector & technology. Access full forecast data dashboards or book a demo directly at For general enquiries contact sales@ About Global Water Intelligence Global Water Intelligence (GWI) is the leading market intelligence and events company serving the international water industry. Over the last 25 years we have built our business around being a trusted interface between our clients and their markets, providing our customers with high-level intelligence that enables them to make the most informed strategic decisions for their business. We cover municipal markets and every industrial vertical as well as technology, finance, and economics. CONTACT: Malin HedlundCOMPANY: Global Water IntelligencePHONE: 01865 204208 EMAIL: sales@ in to access your portfolio
Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
VA Tech Wabag rises as Q4 PAT jumps 37% YoY to Rs 99 cr
VA Tech Wabag jumped 7.69% to Rs 1,518 after the company's net profit surged 37.43% to Rs 99.5 crore on a 23.76% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 1,156.2 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Profit before tax came in at Rs 131.1 crore, registering a 31.23% rise over Rs 99.9 crore a year ago. EBITDA rose 21.9% to Rs 140.8 crore, while the EBITDA margin declined to 12.2%, compared to 12.4% in the previous year. Total expenses climbed 23.17% YoY to Rs 1,038.3 crore, primarily due to a 31.04% rise in the cost of sales and services to Rs 941.9 crore. Employee benefit expenses also increased 27.88% to Rs 76.6 crore during the quarter. For the full financial year, net profit grew 20.24% to Rs 295.3 crore, while revenue from operations rose 15.32% to Rs 3,294 crore in FY25 over FY24. The company ended FY25 with a gross cash position of Rs 946.2 crore and net cash of Rs 589 crore, marking its fifth consecutive year of being net cash positive. Excluding hybrid annuity model (HAM) projects, net cash stood at Rs 706 crore. Order inflows during FY25 totaled Rs 5,700 crore, with a robust order book of Rs 13,700 crore, including framework contracts ensuring strong revenue visibility for the coming quarters. Commenting on the results, Rajiv Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director of VA TECH WABAG, said: We are especially proud to have been recognized by Global Water Intelligence as one of the top three global desalination players a testament to our leadership and the trust placed in us by our clients and partners. Our financial resilience was further reinforced by the upgrade of our long-term credit rating to AA- with a stable outlook, affirming the strength of our balance sheet and prudent financial management. Meanwhile, the companys board recommended a final dividend of Rs 4 per equity share for FY25, commemorating its centenary year. Va Tech Wabag is engaged in the business of the water treatment field. Its principal activities include design, supply, installation, construction, and operational management of drinking water, wastewater treatment, industrial water treatment, and desalination plants.
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Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
VA Tech Wabag share rallies 10% on healthy Q4 nos; check key details here
VA Tech share price: VA Tech Wabag (VA Tech) shares were in demand on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the stock rallying up to 9.93 per cent to hit an intraday high of ₹1,549.65 per share. What is the reason behind this rally? VA Tech share price surged after the company reported strong results in the March quarter of financial year 2025 (Q4FY25). The company's consolidated revenue from operations surged 15 per cent Y-o-Y to ₹3,294 crore, while its profit after tax (PAT) rose 20 per cent annually to ₹295.3 crore. The consolidated Ebitda stood at ₹430.2 crore. In standalone terms, revenue from operations rose 15 per cent Y-o-Y to ₹2,873.8 crore, while PAT zoomed 15 per cent Y-o-Y to ₹2,71.3 crore. The standalone Ebitda was ₹402.9 crore. The company's order book position is at ₹13,700 crore including framework contracts, which is providing robust revenue visibility. Also Read "We are pleased to close another year of strong and profitable growth, driven by our long-term strategy, Wriddhi This success reflects our disciplined execution, customer-centric approach, and commitment to delivering sustainable water solutions across global markets. We are especially proud to have been recognised by Global Water Intelligence as one of the top three global desalination players—a testament to our leadership and the trust placed in us by our clients and partners. Our financial resilience was further reinforced by the upgrade of our long-term credit rating to AA- with a stable outlook, affirming the strength of our balance sheet and prudent financial management,' said Rajiv Mittal, chairman & managing director, VA Tech Wabag. 'With a robust order book of ₹137 crore and a balanced EPC and O&M portfolio, we have strong revenue visibility and stable cash flows. FY25 also marks our fifth consecutive year of ending net cash positive, highlighting our operational strength and financial discipline. In recognition of this performance, and to commemorate WABAG's centenary, the Board has recommended a dividend of ₹4 per share, subject to shareholder approval As we look ahead, we remain focused on creating long-term value through innovation, sustainable infrastructure, and strategic partnerships that contribute to a water-secure future," Mittal added. VA Tech dividend VA Tech Board of Directors have recommended a final dividend of ₹4 per equity share of face value ₹2 each (200 per cent) for FY25 'The said dividend recommended to the Members of the Company, shall be subject to the approval of the Members at the ensuing 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company,' VA Tech said. ALSO READ | Smallcap stock hits record high in weak market; rallies 69% thus far in May About VA Tech VA Tech is a leading Indian multinational specialising in total water management solutions. The company offers end-to-end services including design, supply, installation, construction, and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants. Wabag's expertise spans across drinking water, municipal and industrial wastewater, industrial process water, and desalination systems. In addition to technical solutions, WABAG also delivers projects under BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) models, making it a full-spectrum player in the water infrastructure space. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, WABAG has established a major global footprint, operating in key regions such as India, South East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
