
The most important 15 water industry news for the 1st week of January
TAQA, Vision Invest, and GIC Consortium Secure Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir Project in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

TAQA, Vision Invest, and GIC Consortium have secured the Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir Project in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia.
The consortium, including TAQA, Vision Invest, and GIC, has signed project agreements with the Saudi Water Partnership Company. This project, operating under a BOOT model, aims to address emergency water demand and peak demand during the Hajj season.
TAQA will lead the operations and maintenance activities, with a 35% share in the project company and a 50% stake in the O&M company. The project’s primary goal is to ensure reliable water supply by integrating technology and sustainable practices. The commercial operation is set to begin in the second quarter of 2027.
Source : TAQA
SWPC Issues RFP for Jubail 4&6 Desalination Project

The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the Jubail 4 and 6 Independent Water Project. The desalination plant, with a capacity of 600,000 cubic metres/day, will be located near Jubail Industrial City on the Arabian Gulf Coast.
It is expected to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2027. SWPC has prequalified nine bidders, including ACCIONA, ACWA Power, GS Inima, and Marubeni Corporation.
The winning bidder will establish a project company to oversee development and supply the complete capacity and output to SWPC under a 25-year concession as per the Water Purchase Agreement (WPA).
Source : (SWPC)
Morocco Reveals Ambitious Desalination Project Aiming for 1.4 Billion m3 Production Goal

Morocco’s Minister of Infrastructure and Water, Nizar Baraka, emphasized the priority of water desalination in addressing the country’s structural water deficit, exacerbated by global warming.
By 2030, 50% of drinking water supply is expected to come from desalination, with plans to build desalination plants to reach a production level of 1.4 billion m3.
OCP will desalinate 560 million m3, with 500 million m3 allocated for agriculture and the rest for drinking water. Coastal towns will have desalination plants through public-private partnerships, while inland towns and rural areas will benefit from dam water. This approach aims to alleviate water stress and promote solidarity between coastal and inland regions.
Source : MAP
Saudi Irrigation Organization Partners with SPPC for Taiba IPP Water Supply

The Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) has officially collaborated with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) to supply treated sewage water to the Taiba Independent Power Plant (Taiba IPP) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
The project involves the construction of a 122-kilometer water transportation and storage system, including water pumping and storage stations capable of handling 20,000 cubic meters per day.
This initiative was outlined in a press statement issued by SIO, signifying a significant step toward sustainable water management and resource utilization.
Source : SPPC
Iberdrola’s HIDRO Cedillo: Spain’s First Hybrid Hydroelectric and Solar Plant

Iberdrola España has received environmental approval for HIDRO Cedillo, Spain’s pioneering hybrid photovoltaic and hydroelectric plant. The project, located in Cedillo (Extremadura), will feature an 86.4 MW capacity with over 160,000 photovoltaic modules and a fixed structure.
Hybridization optimizes grid use, reduces environmental impact, and ensures stable renewable production by alternating between two technologies.
Iberdrola España’s commitment to hybrid generation aims to enhance renewable resources and maximize existing locations, sharing infrastructures and minimizing environmental impact.
HIDRO Cedillo emphasizes environmental protection measures, biodiversity improvement, and innovative renewable leadership, reinforcing Iberdrola’s position as a renewables leader in Spain.
Source : Iberdrola
Crane Company Acquires Vian Enterprises, Inc. for $103 Million

Crane Company has completed the acquisition of Vian Enterprises, Inc. for approximately $103 million in a cash-free and debt-free transaction.
Vian, established in 1968, specializes in designing and manufacturing multi-stage lubrication pumps and lubrication system components for critical aerospace and defense applications.
The company’s trailing 12-month sales were around $33 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $8 million and an order backlog exceeding $100 million.
Crane’s President and CEO, Max Mitchell, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that Vian’s strong positions in commercial and military aircraft platforms will significantly expand Crane’s portfolio, enhance future content opportunities, and contribute to long-term sales growth.
Source : Crane Company
Anderson Process Acquires Tighe-Zeman Equipment LLC

Anderson Process has completed the acquisition of Tighe-Zeman Equipment LLC, a long-standing manufacturer’s representative specializing in mixers, pumps, tanks, and engineered systems for over 70 years.
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Tighe-Zeman Equipment has been serving Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan since 1952.
The acquisition aims to leverage complementary product offerings, strengthen customer relationships, and provide leading brands such as SPX mixers, Watson-Marlow pumps, and Belding Tank Technologies to target markets including general process, food and beverage, biopharma, pulp and paper, power, chemical, and municipal industries.
Source : Anderson Process
Neil White Appointed as CEO of National Filtration and Irrigation Group

Rusco and Vu-Flow have named Neal White as their new President and CEO, bringing extensive water quality experience and expertise in plumbing, water systems, and water quality markets.
With a successful track record of surpassing sales forecasts, increasing profitability, and fostering strategic partnerships, White’s appointment solidifies his presence in the water filtration industry.
With over a decade of leadership experience at Pentair and Watts Water Technologies, White is poised to lead Rusco and Vu-Flow toward greater success in the water filtration sector.
White expressed pride in leading the exceptional team and looks forward to bringing his experience to further establish the organization as a leader in water filtration.
Source : Vu-Flow
The Water Council Announces Winners of Fall 2023 Tech Challenge

The Water Council has revealed the winners of its fall 2023 Tech Challenge, designed to address real challenges in the water sector. The challenge sought solutions in PFAS detection, treatment, destruction, and non-destructive assessment of pressurized pipes.
Winners were chosen from a record number of submissions from eight countries, with two winners having previously participated in The Water Council’s BREW Accelerator programming.
The winners, Aquagga, Searen, and Pipesonic, were selected by sponsors A. O. Smith Corporation, Badger Meter, and Watts Water Technologies to receive $10,000 prizes for their innovative technologies.
The program aims to facilitate partnerships and provide exposure for new ideas and technologies in the water industry.
Source : The Water Council
Tsurumi Supplies Dewatering Pumps for Grand Paris Express

The Grand Paris Express, a major urban construction project in Europe, is expanding the Paris Metro network with four new lines, 68 stations, and 200 kilometers of track.
Tsurumi has been supplying dewatering pumps for the project since 2016 and recently received another order for pumps from the heavy-duty KTZ model range.
These pumps, designed for use in tunnelling and mining, will help maintain dry conditions in the tunnels, which are at an average depth of 30 meters and in the aquifer. Tsurumi’s prompt delivery of pump models with high delivery capacities ensures efficient support for the project.
Source : Tsurumi
Wilo invests in innovative health centre at Wilopark

The Wilo Group has commenced the construction of a new Health Cube at Wilopark in Dortmund, Germany. This initiative aims to provide holistic and high-quality healthcare services to Wilo employees worldwide and the entire Dortmund region.
The Health Cube will offer a range of medical services, including general and occupational healthcare, orthopedic and cardiology practices, psychotherapy, sports medicine, and preventative services.
With an emphasis on preventive care and curative treatment, the Health Cube represents Wilo’s commitment to investing in the health and well-being of its employees. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with an official opening planned for early 2026.
Source : Wilo
Timken Purchases Specialized Engineered Sealing Products Company Lagersmit

The Timken Company, a leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, has acquired Lagersmit, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of highly engineered sealing solutions for marine, dredging, water, tidal energy, and industrial applications.
This acquisition enhances Timken’s presence in the marine market and adds engineered sealing products to its portfolio. Lagersmit, founded in 1856, employs approximately 90 people and is expected to have a revenue of around U$40 million in 2023.
The acquisition is part of Timken’s strategy to strengthen its position in the marine industry and provide advanced sealing systems to leading propulsion manufacturers, ship owners, pump makers, and other industrial customers.
Source : The Timken Company
L&T to Execute EPC Contract for Amaala Utilities Project

Larsen & Toubro’s Construction arm has been selected as the turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the development of renewable energy generation and utilities for the Amaala project in the Red Sea region, Saudi Arabia.
Amaala is an ultra-luxury destination set in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Natural Reserve, featuring hotels, residential villas, retail establishments, fine dining, and recreational facilities.
The project includes an off-grid renewable energy system, a seawater reverse osmosis plant, sewage treatment plants, marine works, and water networks. L&T’s involvement in this prestigious project reflects its commitment to providing sustainable and reliable electricity and water systems.
Source : Larsen & Toubro
ABO-Group Strengthens Surface and Groundwater Engineering with Eau et Perspectives Acquisition

ABO-Group Environment has acquired Eau et Perspectives, a French engineering firm specializing in hydrology, hydraulics, and hydrogeology. Eau & Perspectives is known for its expertise in groundwater management, urban, river, and rainwater hydraulics, as well as hydrogeology.
The acquisition aims to enhance ABO-Group’s capabilities in sustainable water management and expand its environmental branch with a new hydrology department.
The acquisition will also allow for the transfer of knowledge and expertise from Eau et Perspectives to ABO-Group, ensuring the continuity and further development of the agency’s operations.
Patrick Champagne, the current director and expert hydrogeologist of Eau et Perspectives, will continue to lead the company during the transition phase.
Source : ABO-Group
Badger Meter acquires remote water monitoring technology from Trimble

Badger Meter has acquired select remote water monitoring hardware and software from Trimble, including the Telog brand of RTUs (remote telemetry units) and Trimble Unity Remote Monitoring software.
This acquisition enhances Badger Meter’s offerings with real-time monitoring hardware and software for distributed data collection in water, wastewater, stormwater, and environmental water monitoring applications.
Kenneth C. Bockhorst, Chairman, President, and CEO of Badger Meter, expressed that the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategic growth plan and expands the scope of data, information, and analytics for customers, enabling greater efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Source : Badger Meter