Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has awarded a significant contract to VA Tech Wabag for the development of a large desalination plant at its Jamnagar facility in Gujarat. This project involves the design, engineering, supply, installation, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and performance guarantee test run (PGTR) of the plant. The announcement led to a notable increase in VA Tech Wabag's share price.
- VA Tech Wabag's shares rose by up to 8.23% following the announcement.
- The desalination plant will have an initial capacity of 8,400 cubic metres per hour, expandable to 12,600 cubic metres per hour.
- The plant includes advanced water treatment technologies such as lamella clarifiers, dissolved air flotation filters, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis systems.
- A remineralisation plant with a capacity of 3,000 cubic metres per hour will also be part of the project.
What is the scope of the desalination plant project?
The project awarded to VA Tech Wabag covers the complete lifecycle of the desalination plant at Jamnagar. This includes the design and engineering of the plant, supply of necessary equipment, installation, and the commissioning process. Additionally, VA Tech Wabag will conduct the performance guarantee test run (PGTR) to ensure the plant meets the required standards.
The plant is designed to initially process 8,400 cubic metres of seawater per hour, with the capacity to expand to 12,600 cubic metres per hour, equivalent to 302 million litres per day. Alongside the desalination facility, a remineralisation plant with a capacity of 3,000 cubic metres per hour will be constructed to enhance water quality.
What technologies will the plant use?
The desalination plant will incorporate several advanced water treatment technologies. These include lamella clarifiers, which help in sedimentation and clarification of water, and dissolved air flotation filters (DAFF) that remove suspended solids and oils.
Ultrafiltration (UF) systems will be used for fine filtration, followed by seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) and brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) systems to remove salts and impurities from the water. The plant will also feature chemical dosing systems, backwash systems, product water storage, and brine outfall pumping systems to manage waste.
The remineralisation plant will include limestone filters, a lime-handling system, and carbon dioxide storage and dosing systems to restore essential minerals to the desalinated water, ensuring it is safe and suitable for use.
How did the market respond to the announcement?
Following the announcement of the contract, VA Tech Wabag's shares experienced a significant rise. On October 27, 2026, the stock surged by as much as 8.23%, reaching a high of ₹1,848 per share on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). This increase reflects investor confidence in the company's ability to deliver on this large-scale project.
Why is this project important?
The Jamnagar desalination plant is a critical infrastructure project that will provide a reliable source of fresh water for industrial and possibly municipal use. Given the increasing water scarcity in many regions, such plants are essential for sustainable water management.
By securing this contract, VA Tech Wabag strengthens its position as a leading multinational water technology company. The project also supports Reliance Industries' commitment to sustainable and efficient resource management at its Jamnagar facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the capacity of the desalination plant?
A: The plant will initially have a capacity of 8,400 cubic metres per hour, expandable to 12,600 cubic metres per hour.
Q: What technologies will be used in the plant?
A: The plant will use lamella clarifiers, dissolved air flotation filters, ultrafiltration, seawater and brackish water reverse osmosis systems, along with chemical dosing and remineralisation systems.
Q: How did VA Tech Wabag's shares perform after the announcement?
A: The shares rose by up to 8.23%, reaching ₹1,848 per share on the NSE.
