Degrémont

What is it?

The water treatment plant specialist within Suez Environnement, and one of the leading RO contractors in the desalination industry. Degrémont celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2009.

What has it done?

In July 2009, together with Thiess, Degrémont was awarded the contract to design, construct and operate Australia’s largest desalination project - the 411,000m³/d SWRO plant at Wonthaggi, near Melbourne. Degrémont also commissioned Europe’s largest membrane desalination plant for drinking water, the 200,000m³/d Barcelona-Llobregat facility, while completing the 120,000m³/d Barka II seawater RO plant in Oman. The company also broke ground on two new projects: Ad Dur in Bahrain (220,000m³/d) and Mutxamel-Marina Baja in Spain (50,000m³/d).

What makes it special?

• Degrémont’s success in Melbourne landed it the largest desalination plant in the southern hemisphere, showcasing its ability to push the boundaries on new projects. The design heralds the project as one of the most environmentally sensitive desalination plants ever built - not only will it blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, it will run on 100% renewable energy.

• The Barcelona plant is the largest of its kind ever built in Europe, supplying 24% of the water needs of metropolitan Barcelona. Degrémont and its partners were able to respond to dramatic regional drought conditions to get the facility online in just two years.

• The company’s audacious wins in 2009 show that even in its 70th year, Degrémont is still striving to outdo itself. With a reference list of over 250 desalination projects around the world and expansion into new markets planned, this is a company which is making a habit of excellence.