In preparation for the operation of the various expansion projects in the Benete precinct, AMMAN required the construction of a seawater desalination (desal) and demineralization (demin) facility. Construction was completed earlier this year, and operations commenced in April 2024. The facility has a desal capacity of 256 cubic meters per hour (m³/h) and a demin capacity of 65 m³/hr. This facility will support the smelting and refinery operations, the LNG Regasification Plant, and the newly constructed 450-megawatt combined-cycle power plant. Any excess capacity from the desal/demin plant can be used to help reduce the use of the existing freshwater sources.
In addition, a second facility is under construction in the Senunu area, which is expected to be commissioned in early 2025. This second facility has a desal capacity of approximately 4,500 m³/day or 187.5 m³/hr. Allowance is being made for a potential future expansion of an additional 2,250 m³/day. The facility is being constructed to provide alternative sources of water should the region experience any issues in the future as both demand from AMMAN and the surrounding communities grows.