Case Study

Business Case for the first Zero Liquid Discharge Desalination Plant in China

Water pipes

Our client - a Malaysian developer - is investing in a high-profile, RMB 15.5 billion (AUD 3.13 billion) Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) seawater desalination plant in Tianjin, China; the first of its kind.

The Situation

Our client, a Malaysian developer, is investing in a high profile, RMB 15.5 billion (AUD 3.13 billion) Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) seawater desalination plant in Tianjin, China; the first of its kind.

The ZLD requirement was introduced due to stringent discharge regulations in the Bohai Bay, and results in salt and chemical by-products being produced in conjunction with the desalinated water and demineralised water.

Prior to our engagement, the client commissioned a local design institute to develop the FEED for the project. However, the greatest concern for the client was the project’s financial viability and value optimisation, and they wanted a greater understanding of these prior to making the final decision to commence construction.

Our Approach

Given the high investment and technically complex nature of the project, Advisian provided a comprehensive and independent review of the current business case to confirm the economic viability of the project and its financial outcomes.

We identified key success factors for the client by assessing major elements, including a Technical Review, Commercial Review, Contracts and Regulatory Review, Delivery and Organisation Structure, and Review of the Project Risk Profile. The client has since asked Advisian to continue to support them with subsequent work-streams focusing on procurement strategy, organisation design and set-up, and execution planning. In addition, the client has appointed Alan Yau as an Independent Advisor, sitting on the Project Steering Committee. 

Given the high investment and technically complex nature of the project, Advisian provided a comprehensive and independent review of the current business case to confirm the economic viability of the project and its financial outcomes.

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