Project: Greater Sydney Desalination Program
Client: WaterNSW
Role: Technical Advisor
Engaged by WaterNSW, Janson Projects played a pivotal role as technical advisor, assisting in the procurement of a consultancy to undertake preliminary engineering planning for seawater desalination plants in Greater Sydney. This initiative aimed to assess the feasibility and prepare for the potential development of desalination facilities as a climate-independent solution for bulk water supply to the region, contingent upon the continuation of drought conditions.
The consultancy's scope included:
Options Development Phase
Conducting feasibility studies
Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) investigation
Preparing an options report, a preliminary environmental assessment, an overview report, and engaging in community and stakeholder consultation if required.
Key tasks included:
Identifying potential sites
Determining the optimal plant size and staging options
Assessing power supply and alternate power sources
Performing risk assessments and developing valuation criteria for options analysis
Conducting seawater quality monitoring and marine modelling
Creating generic concept designs and indicative cost estimates
Managing stakeholders and community relations
Undertaking necessary technical studies
Conducting financial and economic analysis of options
Environmental Assessment Phase
Preparing for the planning approval process for preferred options, including Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for desalination infrastructure in the Illawarra and Sydney regions
Consulting with key stakeholders and undertaking public engagement if subsequent detailed planning was triggered
Under drought conditions. this phase was fast tracked, encompassing environmental planning investigations, approval pathways, environmental impact assessment studies, and, as required, stakeholder and community communication.
Janson Projects’ expertise ensured the successful procurement of a consultancy to deliver these critical preliminary studies, supporting the planning and potential implementation of sustainable water solutions for Greater Sydney.