Sorek 2 Desalination Plant Now Operational as World's Largest SWRO Facility

IDE Water Technologies has announced that the Sorek 2 (Be'er Miriam) desalination plant is now actively supplying water to Israel's national network, marking the completion of the world's largest seawater reverse osmosis facility. The plant produces 200 million cubic metres of water annually at a record-low cost of $0.41 per cubic metre, representing a 30% price reduction compared to previous benchmarks. Sorek 2 is the world's first steam-driven SWRO plant, utilizing IDE-patented direct-drive technology that achieves a 10% reduction in specific energy consumption compared to similar facilities. The plant operates with its own independent power station, making it immune to fluctuations in the national electric grid — a critical feature given recent security-related disruptions. The facility also incorporates a carbon capture system that recycles CO2 from the on-site power station into the plant's remineralization process, and it produces its own chemicals on-site, reducing transportation costs and supply chain dependencies. These innovations earned Sorek 2 a shortlisting for the 2025 Global Water Award for Desalination Plant of the Year. With Sorek 2 fully operational, Israel's five major desalination plants now convert approximately 2 million cubic metres of seawater into freshwater daily — more than 700 million cubic metres per year — providing 70-80% of the country's domestic consumption. The country currently produces 20% more water than it needs, creating a crucial safety margin during drought periods. A sixth plant, the Western Galilee facility backed by 150 million euro from the European Investment Bank, is under construction and will bring total production to nearly 900 million cubic metres annually.