LG Chem secures exclusive deal for Israeli desalination project

South Korea's LG Chem Ltd. revealed on Thursday that it has been awarded the exclusive contract as the sole supplier of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for Israel's Ashdod desalination project.

The project, jointly owned by global engineering firm Shapir and water treatment specialist GES, solidifies LG Chem's position in the global market as a key player in tackling the water scarcity challenges prevalent in the region.

Under the agreement, LG Chem is set to deliver over 30,000 state-of-the-art RO membranes to the Ashdod desalination plant, with supplies scheduled to commence in the latter half of this year and continue until year-end. The membranes will have an annual capacity of producing 100 million tons of clean drinking water, meeting the needs of approximately 1.1 million people and contributing significantly to the sustainable development of the region.

Upon the plant's anticipated full operational status next year, the combination of LG Chem's RO membranes with the output of existing desalination facilities, such as Palmachim, Hadera and Ashkelon, will result in a remarkable annual desalinated water quantity of 300 million tons. This accounts for more than one-third of Israel's total freshwater consumption, underscoring the significant role LG Chem will play in meeting the country's water demands.

LG Chem's RO membranes are in high demand due to the arid conditions and limited freshwater resources prevalent in the Mediterranean coastal regions of North Africa and Israel. Boasting an exceptional salt removal rate of 99.89%, LG Chem's RO membranes are at the forefront of technological advancements, leaving only 11 molecules of sodium chloride per 10,000 molecules in the treated water.

The distinguished thin film nanocomposite (TFN) technology employed by LG Chem ensures superior flux rates, surpassing competitors by over 20%, while maintaining exceptional salt removal efficiency. Furthermore, these membranes operate efficiently without requiring excessive pressure, resulting in substantial energy savings—a key advantage in the field.

With a strong foothold established through significant orders in Israel and surrounding areas, LG Chem aims to expand its market share in the Mediterranean by leveraging its industry-leading expertise and proven track record. The company's commitment to providing clean water and innovative water treatment solutions worldwide reflects its dedication to sustainability and addressing global water challenges.

Industry experts, including the reputable global water treatment research firm GWI, project substantial growth in the water treatment filter market. With an estimated increase from $3.97 billion in 2019 to $4.8 billion next year, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.9%, LG Chem is poised to capitalize on new opportunities and maintain its position as a market leader.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com