Caofeidian Seawater Desalination Project

Project Description

MIGA has issued a guarantee of $7.5 million to Aqualyng Holding AS of Norway, covering its $8.3 million equity investment (including dividends) in the Caofeidian Seawater Desalination project in China. The coverage is for a period of up to 20 years against the risks of transfer restriction, expropriation, and war and civil disturbance.

The project consists of  the construction and operation of a seawater desalination plant in Hebei Province of China by Tangshan City Aqualyng Caofeidian Seawater Desalination Co., Ltd, a joint venture company of Aqualyng China Limited (a Hong Kong registered company and 50 percent owned by Aqualyng Holding AS of Norway) and Tangshan Caofeidian Infrastructure Construction Investment Co., Ltd. The seawater desalination plant will be built in the Caofeidian Industrial Zone and is expected to provide water supply of 50,000 m³/day to the industrial zone.

The project is located in a dry area in northern China with limited fresh water. As a result of rapid industrial and economic development, water consumption in the area has been increasing, and water supply has become a significant challenge for the local government. The Caofeidian seawater treatment plant is expected to supply water of 50,000 m³/day to industries and residents in the industrial zone and to contribute to the local government’s objective of developing a recycling economy. Also, through this project, Aqualyng will help bring reverse osmosis seawater treatment technology to the industrial zone and $10.2 million of external investment.

The project will also generate about 40 jobs, provide training, and contribute to government revenues. This is MIGA’s first seawater treatment project in China. The successful implementation of this project should have a positive demonstration effect on other seawater projects the development of a recycling economy in the country.