Thames Water plans to restart its only desalination plant in Beckton, east London, by the end of the year. The plant, designed to operate during droughts, will only be ready after the current dry spell is expected to pass, raising questions about its utility and past investment.
The planned restart of the desalination plant raises questions about its cost-effectiveness and timing, given its history of underutilization and its readiness only after the current drought is expected to subside. It highlights ongoing challenges in water supply management and infrastructure investment for Thames Water.
Thames Water is preparing to restart its only desalination plant in Beckton, east London, by the end of the year. The move comes as the UK faces a prolonged drought, though the plant is not expected to be operational until after the dry spell has likely passed. The facility is intended to help replenish reservoir supplies over the winter for the following summer.
The company has faced criticism for the plant's limited operation since its full opening in 2011. It has run only five times in 15 years, providing a minimal amount of water relative to the capital's demand and its total cost, which has reached £500m. The plant was designed to use seawater from the Thames estuary during droughts.
Thames Water's performance during the current drought is under close scrutiny, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham expected to make decisions regarding the company's future. The utility was among five companies permitted to increase bills to fund additional projects.
Operating the Beckton plant presents financial challenges due to high electricity costs. Furthermore, the plant's treatment membranes were reportedly at the end of their life, with difficulties in testing new ones. However, operating in cooler winter temperatures might prove more financially viable if electricity prices are lower due to abundant wind power.