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Erongo Desalination Plant
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The Erongo Desalination Plant, located near Wlotzkasbaken, is the largest seawater desalination facility in Southern Africa and a vital infrastructure asset for Namibia's coastal economy. Originally developed by the French group Areva (now Orano) and commissioned in 2010, its primary purpose was to supply process water to the Trekkopje uranium mine. The plant utilizes advanced reverse osmosis technology and has a design capacity of 20 million cubic meters of fresh water annually. Due to the hyper-arid climate of the Erongo Region, the facility also provides essential water to other major mines like Rössing and Husab, and supplements the NamWater national supply grid. It is the only industrial-scale desalination plant in the region, making it indispensable for the sustainability of the mining sector. Discussions regarding state acquisition or expansion are ongoing to ensure long-term regional water security.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Henties Bay (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, May.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 27 | 17 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Erongo Desalination Plant is the largest of its kind in southern Africa, providing fresh water to the mines in the Erongo region. It is a crucial infrastructure project for Namibia's mining industry.
Visiting
The plant is an industrial site with restricted access; visits are not normally possible. From the coastal road B2, the buildings and pipelines are visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the lookout platform on the B2 near Swakopmund, from where the plant and the ocean are visible. The dunes south of the plant also offer a perspective.
Local products
In the region, mining products such as uranium and gold are mainly extracted and not sold directly. Local markets instead offer crafts, sea salt, and fish from the Atlantic.
Active season
The desalination plant operates continuously year-round to provide water to the mines. Demand typically increases in the drier months when natural water availability decreases.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the coastal town Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture. Spitzkoppe and the Namib Desert are also worthwhile destinations.
Geography
Facts
- Officially commissioned in the year 2010.
- Production capacity of 20 million m³ per year.
- Employs advanced reverse osmosis membranes.
- Supplies Trekkopje, Rössing, and Husab mines.
- Largest desalination facility in Southern Africa.
- Located near Wlotzkasbaken on the Atlantic coast.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Erongo desalination plant?
An industrial plant that converts seawater into drinking water to supply the Erongo region.
Why is it important?
In a very dry region, it is vital as it mitigates water scarcity for industry and households.
Can one visit as a tourist?
No, it is a purely functional industrial facility with no tourist facilities.
Where is the plant located?
It is located near Wlotzkasbaken, north of Swakopmund on the coast.
What happens to the waste water?
The brine resulting from desalination is discharged back into the sea according to strict environmental regulations.
Erongo Desalination Plant: where is it located?
Erongo Desalination Plant is located in Namibia.
Erongo Desalination Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Apr, May.
Erongo Desalination Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Erongo Desalination Plant, located near Wlotzkasbaken, is the largest seawater desalination facility in Southern Africa and a vital infrastructure asset for Namibia's coastal economy.
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