Singapore’s national water agency PUB has launched a feasibility study into the potential construction of a sixth desalination plant to enhance long-term water security. The tender for this study was issued on Dec 26, 2025, and is expected to take around 10 months to complete. PUB will examine various plant design options and assess their technical and economic viability, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of Singapore’s water supply amid evolving environmental and demand-side pressures.
A key innovation being explored is the possibility of building the new facility entirely underground, which could free up valuable surface land for other uses, an important consideration in land-scarce Singapore. PUB is also looking at multi-functional designs that maximise land use efficiency and explore configurations similar to the dual-mode Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, which can switch between treating seawater and freshwater depending on conditions. This flexibility would help the country cope with variability in rainfall and other water sources.
Currently, Singapore operates five desalination plants located in coastal areas such as Tuas, Jurong Island and Marina East, which form a core part of its diversified water strategy alongside rainfall catchment, NEWater (recycled water) and imported water. Desalination has become a crucial “weather-independent” water source, reducing reliance on rain and external supply risks that have historically affected the island-state’s water planning.
The feasibility study will help PUB determine whether the new plant can enhance the robustness of Singapore’s water infrastructure and address future demand, which is expected to grow with expanding industrial sectors and population needs. The study’s findings, due in approximately a year, will inform subsequent planning and investment decisions for Singapore’s long-term water security strategy.
(Sources: The Straits Times; Channel News Asia)
