TOWARDS GREENER AND ECONOMICAL DESALINATION SOLUTIONS
Somboun Narpoolmin, Director for Major Projects & Commercial Development, Veolia Asia
INSIGHTS 2026
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n an era where water scarcity looms as one of humanity’s greatest challenges, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region faces an evolving crisis. Home to some of the most water-scarce areas globally, over 2.6 billion people now face difficulties accessing potable water sources — more than double the number from 19751. With rising demand, dwindling resources and climate volatility, sustainable seawater desalination is no longer a backup plan — it’s a vital part of water security. Veolia, a desalination service provider capable of delivering 6.75 million m3 of desalinated water worldwide daily through advanced membrane technology, is transforming long-held perceptions of desalination as energy-intensive and environmentally taxing — and proving that sustainable, cost-effective alternatives are possible at scale. Currently, Veolia can design, build and operate a Seawater Reverse Osmosis plant achieving less than 3 kWh/m3 specific energy consumption. Here’s how Veolia addresses the environmental and economic stakes and pushes boundaries toward greener and more affordable desalination solutions.
DESIGNING FOR MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Environmental protection begins with a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which forms the foundation of Veolia’s sustainable desalination approach. The EIA process ensures the protection of biodiversity and natural resources by evaluating ecosystem impacts, while maintaining transparency and public participation in development decisions to prevent irreversible environmental damage and social conflict. This environmental commitment is demonstrated through innovative subsurface intake systems utilising engineered screens and cleaning technologies, which maximise seawater harvesting efficiency. These systems serve as natural filters, preventing large floating objects from entering and reducing marine life mortality by up to 100%.
IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN EVERY DROP Energy optimisation is central to making desalination both sustainable and cost effective. According to industry data, energy
typically accounts for approximately 45% of operational costs in desalinated water production. This significant cost factor makes energy efficiency optimisation paramount for both ecological and financial sustainability.
SMARTER MEMBRANES, LOWER COSTS That said, energy efficiency is only part of the equation. The membranes themselves are just as critical to reducing cost and consumption. The latest membrane technologies contribute to cost reduction through several mechanisms: high-permeability designs that require less energy for water passage, enhanced surface characteristics that minimise fouling, and improved durability that extends operational lifespan. These advanced membranes can achieve 10–15% energy savings compared to conventional options. Through Veolia’s dedicated centre of expertise, ARAMIS, the company conducts comprehensive assessments of available membrane technologies, enabling optimal selection for specific geographic conditions independent of manufacturers. This strategic approach combines cutting-edge membrane innovations with smart monitoring systems to maximise cost efficiency.