In Kiribati, access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge. Across these remote Pacific atolls, freshwater resources are extremely limited, and groundwater salinization is increasing due to climate change.
To address this issue, several islands — including Abatiku, Takaeang, Onotea and Beru — are now being equipped with seawater desalination solutions.
As part of this programme, around twenty desalinizers have been supplied to enable local drinking water production in isolated environments.
The deployed equipment belongs to the SD range, including the SD21 and SD23 models, designed for long-term reliability in demanding island conditions.
Field deployment is carried out with Calédonienne des Eaux, in partnership with the humanitarian organisation LDS Charities.
Systems designed for island constraints
The installed equipment is based on proven, context-adapted technology:
- reverse osmosis desalination
- power supply provided through photovoltaic panels charging battery storage systems, which then feed the desalinizers
- daily production ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 litres depending on the site
- installations located near schools and residential areas
A key aspect of this initiative is also the remarkably fast execution timeline: manufacturing, delivery and installation were completed within very short lead times, enabling rapid commissioning despite the logistical remoteness.
A model for other vulnerable island territories
This initiative highlights the relevance of modular desalination solutions for island communities facing freshwater scarcity.
It also demonstrates how cooperation between manufacturers, operators and humanitarian partners can accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure.
