Alkimos desalination plant enters fit-out phase

The $2.8 billion Alkimos seawater desalination plant in Western Australia has transitioned to the fit-out phase. This follows the completion of 15 months of excavation and marine works, which included the construction of over 6km of undersea tunnels using approximately 32,000 concrete segments.

The project involves a 2.5km intake tunnel to transport seawater for treatment and a 4km outfall tunnel to return concentrated brine to the ocean. Construction is now shifting toward the installation of electrical and mechanical systems across the 29-hectare site.

Once operational in 2028, the plant is expected to produce an initial 50 billion litres of drinking water annually, supplying Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme. The facility aims to decrease the city's dependence on groundwater sources impacted by decreasing rainfall. The project currently supports more than 1,500 local jobs.