Beer maker backs India solar desalination plant to boost water, jobs for women

(Reuters, 26 Nov 2020) The solar-powered plant, part of Carlsberg's water conservation plan, could be a model to improve water supplies in coastal communities and provide local work.

A water desalination plant powered by solar energy in a small east Indian town, backed by beer maker Carlsberg Group, could be a sustainable option for other coastal areas where rising sea levels and more frequent storms are making groundwater saltier.

The plant being built by Desolenator in the Sundarbans delta in West Bengal state will start operating next year.

It will sell clean water at a subsidised rate and hire more than a dozen women in Pathar Pratima, a company official said.

The social enterprise model, with all proceeds going towards the salaries and training of the women and maintenance of the water distribution centre, is essential for this poor community, said Louise Bleach at Maastricht-based Desolenator.

"Water purification technologies can be expensive, and often people who are most deprived of clean water and in need of these systems cannot afford them," said Bleach, development and impact lead at Desolenator, which is also building a plant in Dubai.

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Reuters, 26 Nov 2020: Beer maker backs India solar desalination plant to boost water, jobs for women