Nurturing NEWater
The completion of the fifth and largest NEWater plant in Changi will boost total NEWater production capacity to 30 per cent of Singapore’s water needs.
Sembcorp NEWater Plant at Changi Water Reclamation Plant
PUB, the national water agency, has awarded the contract to design, build, own and operate Singapore’s fith and largest NEWater plant to Sembcorp Utilities (Sembcorp). To be located at Changi, the plant will have an initial capacity of 15 million gallons per day (mgd) in 2009, which will be ramped up to 50 mgd by 2010.
Mr Tang Kin Fei, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Sembcorp Industries (centre) hopes to leverage on the Changi NEWater project to seize opportunities in the international market. To his right are PUB Chief Executive Mr Khoo Teng Chye and PUB Chairman Mr Tan Gee Paw.
Under this Design-Build-Own-Operate agreement, Sembcorp will supply NEWater to PUB over a 25-year period from 2010 to 2035. With this latest addition, NEWater will meet 30 per cent of Singapore’s current water needs by 2010, doubling the original target of 15 per cent. The pillar of Singapore’s water sustainability, NEWater is one of Singapore’s four diversified sources of water supply. The other three are water from local catchments, imported water from Johor, Malaysia, and desalinated water.
The Changi NEWater Plant will be constructed within the Changi Water Reclamation Plant. “The main process facilities will be built on the roof-top of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant. We designed the Changi Water Reclamation Plant with this plan in mind as it will save on land costs,” said Mr Moh Wung Hee, PUB’s Director of Best Sourcing. The Changi NEWater Plant is the second NEWater project by the private sector; the first being the Keppel Seghers Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant which was opened in March 2007.
CHEERS, EVERYONE!
NEWater, Singapore’s own brand of high-quality reclaimed water is winning accolades on the world stage. In April 2008, NEWater clinched the Environmental Contribution of the Year title at the Global Water Awards 2008 ceremony in London.
The award recognises stewardship in the water industry by way of a project, process or an organisation that best reflects the ability of a water or wastewater plant that leaves a small environment footprint.
PUB Chief Executive Mr KhooTeng Chye received the award from Nobel Peace Prize winner Mr Muhammad Yunus. Said Mr Khoo: “Water reuse and desalination are two key solutions for cities looking to manage their water supply in a sustainable way. NEWater is a result of PUB’s continuous investments in water R&D and it enables us to use each drop of water more than once, so that we do not need to take more water from the environment. That helps to contribute to water sustainability.”
This is the second award PUB has received from the award organiser, Global Water Intelligence (GWI). In 2006, PUB was named Water Agency of the Year in Dubai. Commenting on PUB’s most recent win, Mr Christopher Gasson, publisher of GWI, said: “Singapore has led the world in water reuse. This award recognises the farsightedness and creativity of PUB. Other countries will surely follow its footprints.” He added: “At the Global Water Awards dinner we toasted the award with NEWater specially shipped over from Singapore. Its quality and taste surpasses the best London’s water can offer.”
ENGAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR
The upcoming Changi NEWater Plant will use the same NEWater technology pioneered by PUB. The national water agency has been sharing its NEWater technology with the private sector so they can have a stake in Singapore’s water management. The experience gained from managing such large-scale national projects will help local companies establish a track record and expand into overseas markets. By exporting their expertise and making a name for themselves overseas, local companies will help boost Singapore’s goal to be a global hydrohub.
“The Changi NEWater project is a very strategic project for Sembcorp as it underscores our ability to cater to a large-scale municipal segment. Leveraging on this project and our proven track record, we are in an even better position to seize opportunities in the fast-growing water market internationally,” said Mr Tang Kin Fei, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Sembcorp Industries.
NEWater clinched the Environmental Contribution of the Year title at the Global Water Awards 2008. PUB Chief Executive Mr Khoo Teng Chye (right) received the award in London from Nobel Prize winner Mr Muhammad Yunus.
