Govt Eyes Seawater Desalination To Support Industrial Needs - PETRA
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) — The government is exploring the potential of seawater desalination technology as an alternative source to support industries with high water demand, including data centres.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) said its use must take into account location suitability, energy requirements, water production costs, and economic viability before it can be implemented on a wider scale.
"The rapid growth of the data centre industry worldwide has created a new dimension in water sector planning.
"In addition to requiring a stable power supply, data centres also need an adequate water supply for cooling systems.
"The government is therefore taking a long-term approach to ensure that the development of this strategic industry can continue without compromising the security of water supply for the public," the ministry said in a written reply in the Dewan Negara, published on Parliament's website today.
The ministry was responding to a question from Senator Dr Jufitri Joha on efforts to use seawater desalination as a water source and the primary cooling method for data centres, similar to practices in other countries.
PETRA said data centre development should not depend entirely on treated water supplies, which should remain prioritised for domestic use.
Instead, industries with high water consumption are encouraged to utilise suitable alternative water sources such as reclaimed water (air pulih guna, APG), seawater desalination, and other non-conventional water sources, depending on location and operational requirements.
"This approach enables the country's digital economy to continue growing sustainably while ensuring that treated water remains prioritised for public use," it said.
To support this effort, PETRA, through the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, is conducting research on the suitability of seawater desalination technology for island areas, as well as a desalination plant project to supply clean water to an ESSCOM security post in Sabah.
"This research and pilot project will provide the basis for evaluating the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of desalination technology in Malaysia before it is considered for wider application, including in the industrial sector," the ministry said.
To meet the current needs of data centres, PETRA added that the government is also encouraging the use of existing and more cost-effective alternative water sources such as reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting systems.
"At present, there are four APG treatment plants in Peninsular Malaysia supplying water to data centres, with a total production capacity of 19.5 million litres per day.
"This approach helps reduce the industry's dependence on treated water while improving the efficiency of the nation's water resource utilisation," it said.
— BERNAMA