A practical feasibility study for a deep-sea water desalination system has begun in the Malé region, the first of its kind in the Maldives.
Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) is working with Norwegian firm Flotion on the assessment. Technical teams have collected water samples from 500 metres depth. Initial analyses indicate the deep water is unusually pure and suitable for high-quality desalination with lower energy and chemical requirements than conventional methods.
Flotion’s technology uses natural hydrostatic pressure for reverse osmosis, which the company says can reduce electricity use by 40 to 50 per cent and cut chemical consumption and environmental impact.
MWSC will evaluate the technical and commercial viability based on the study results. If successful, the system could provide a productive, sustainable and climate-resilient water source, aligning with long-term development goals.
The most suitable location identified so far is the outer reef near Giravaru Falhu. Officials have linked the project to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for a developed Maldives by 2040.
Water security remains a strategic priority given the country’s limited freshwater resources and dependence on desalination.