Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has initiated a study for the procurement of a new seawater desalination capacity that will be the fourth new Independent Water Project (IWP) in Dhofar.

According to a report by the Oman Daily Observer, the study was initiated on the back of an anticipated 8% increase in demand for potable water in Dhofar. Strong investment inflows into the commercial, hospitality, tourism and residential sectors have also played a role in influencing this decision.

The proposed scheme, referred to as Salalah IV IWP, will have a capacity of 100,000 cubic metres per day according to OPWP’s 7-Year Outlook Statement covering 2016 – 2022.

OPWP commented on the plans for the procurement of the water project saying: “OPWP and DGW have begun investigation of sites for the prospective Salalah IV IWP. The project is nominally specified with a capacity of 100,000 m3/d, subject to government approval. This capacity would meet DGW total demand requirements for several years beyond the forecast period, although the requirement will be studied further to assure that the timing aligns with commitments for network expansion.

“The commercial operation date is nominally specified as 2021; an earlier or later date may be accommodated subject to site selection and requirements for the DGW connection infrastructure.”