Israeli firm pushes for more desalination in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines —Israel-based water infrastructure developer IDE Technologies is keen on expanding its desalination and water recycling services into the Philippines, with its top executive saying that they were already in talks with local firms for possible ventures here.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, IDE chief executive Alon Tavor declined to name the companies but said the project could lead to the creation of a Philippine office for IDE.
“We are now focusing on a specific project, and it’s immediately with local partners,” Tavor said. “We have teamed up with several local partners and are trying to come up with a very interesting project.”
Founded in 1965, IDE has so far installed at least 400 water treatment facilities in at least 40 countries. Outside Israel, the company also has offices in the United States, China, India and Chile.
READ: Israel to top up shrinking of Sea of Galilee with desalinated water
While Tavor kept mum on the details of the project, it can be noted that IDE’s services are focused mainly on water desalination, or the removal of mineral salts in water to produce potable water, as well as water recycling.
Water issues
“The Philippines has realized the level of water issues that needs to be managed, [and] it is an interesting opening for us,“ he said.
“We’re at the very beginning,” Tavor added. “The good thing is that we found very smart, technological and cooperative people [in the Philippines]. With that, it’s relatively easy to explore.”
Water concessionaires in the Philippines, particularly Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc., are racing to boost supply in the country in anticipation of the impact of the El Niño climate pattern.
Both Maynilad and Manila Water have existing water treatment facilities, although these are used to treat wastewater generated from communities.
READ: Gov’t should build desalination plants
Other companies, including conglomerates San Miguel Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., are operating desalination plants and water recycling facilities across the country.
Tavor said that, with El Niño and a water crisis threatening to reduce long-term water supply, the Philippines needed to focus on recycling as much water as possible and encourage local water management.
However, the CEO also recognized that the Philippines’ archipelagic nature called for different solutions while also considering potential impacts on the environment.
“We don’t know if El Niño is going to happen now every second or fifth year. We need to find the most environmentally friendly solutions,” he said.
