Erongo Desalination Plant boosts water supply by 14%

By: Ritta Lotto

The Erongo Desalination Plant has recorded a 14% increase in water production in 2025, delivering 17.59 million cubic metres of potable water to the Erongo Region.

Orano Mining Namibia says the increased output reflects the plant’s ability to keep pace with growing demand in the region, driven by expanding mining activities, industrial development and the growth of local towns.

Water produced at the plant is supplied to NamWater, which is responsible for bulk water distribution to municipalities, industries, and rural communities.

During the year, the plant also achieved a daily production record of 63 381 cubic metres of water in a 24-hour period.

The plant currently operates at a capacity of 22.5 million cubic metres per year, with a full design capacity of 45 million cubic metres, and plans are underway to further increase production as demand rises.

Energy efficiency improvements also featured in 2025 following the commissioning of a solar energy plant at Trekkopje.

The solar facility supplies electricity to the desalination plant, reducing operational costs and the plant’s carbon footprint.

These savings were passed on to consumers, resulting in a 2% reduction in water prices over the past year.

The Erongo Desalination Plant, owned by Orano, is located about 35 kilometres north of Swakopmund near Wlotzkasbaken and is the largest reverse-osmosis seawater desalination plant in Southern Africa.

It supplies a significant portion of potable water to Swakopmund, nearby uranium mines and other industries, and has been operating for over 15 years with a strong safety and environmental management record.