Adelaide Desalination Plant

We were a member of the Adelaide Aqua consortia responsible for designing, building, and commissioning the Adelaide Desalination Plant, the state's largest ever infrastructure project. The reverse osmosis plant is one of the most efficient in the world and can produce 100 GL of fresh water each year.

The project encompassed all construction disciplines including bulk earthworks, civil structures, marine, tunnelling, mechanical, electrical, and building works. Some 10,000 people were employed during construction.

Our construction team established industry-leading approaches to protecting the environment, including developing a customised floating detention and sedimentation system to minimise the impact of construction works on the local marine ecology.

Due to deteriorating drought conditions, completion of the initial 50 GL per year stage was fast-tracked, and 'first water' was acheived 12 months early. This was followed by progressive completion of the remaining 50 GL per year.

The internationally recognised plant has set benchmarks for energy savings. The innovative pre-treatment process has provided high levels of reliability, by using less energy and reducing chemical dosing requirements.

Industry Awards

The Adelaide Desalination Project has been internationally recognised by professional organisations, industry bodies and independent judges. Awards include:

• Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, Global Project of the Year Award
• International Project Management Association (PMI), The Netherlands, Project Excellence Award, Gold Medal Winner in the category of Mega Projects
• Project Management Institute (Australia), National Project of the Year Award
• Water Industry Alliance, Smart Water Awards, Winner in the category of Planning and Delivery
• Engineers Australia (South Australian Branch), Engineering Excellence Award, Commendation in the category of Project Infrastructure
• Global Water Intelligence, Desalination Plant of the Year, Distinction Award
• South Australian Water Corporation, Certificate and Award for the Project Team and Individual Team Members - Overall SA Water Values Award Winner
• National Electrical and Communications Association, National Excellence Award, Winner in Category 6 - Large Industrial
• Australian Water Association (South Australian Branch), Winner in the category of Infrastructure Innovation
• Civil Contractor's Federation, Earth Awards, Winner in the category of Projects greater than $75 million contract value
• Master Builders Association (South Australian Branch), Excellence in Services, Category 6 Winner.