Advancing desalination technology

The National Centre of Excellence in Desalination has awarded nearly $3 million in funding to research projects investigating ways to advance desalination technology.

Announcing the centre’s second round of funding today, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the projects were an important investment in securing future water supplies for all Australians.

“The projects demonstrate how the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination is delivering on its mission to develop and commercialise new desalination technologies, with emphasis on the energy efficiency of the desalination process,” he said.

The 12 projects include research into improving membrane performance, new types of desalination for remote areas, forward osmosis for simultaneous production of water and fertiliser, and solar-powered desalination for rural communities.

National Centre of Excellence in Desalination CEO Neil Palmer said: “The centre is delighted with the strong response of the Australian research and business communities to work together on projects that will make water supply in arid areas more reliable and economical.”

The centre’s investment of nearly $3 million in funding for the 12 projects is expected to generate significant in-kind and industry contributions towards ongoing research activity.

“Investing in research and development is crucial to developing a sustainable desalination industry in Australia,” Senator Farrell said.

“Desalination is an important component of securing water supplies in Australia - it can provide water all year round, regardless of rainfall.

However, we need to continue to improve the desalination process, in particular energy efficiency.”

The Australian Government has committed $20 million in funding over five years to the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination, through the Water for the Future initiative.

Chair of the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination, Graeme Rowley, said: “The centre represents an excellent opportunity for Australia to be a world leader in commercial and technical development of desalination resulting in the provision of clean water to a thirsty world.”

For more information on the government’s investment in the National Centre of Excellence in Desalination, visit www.environment.gov.au/water.