The Water Services Corporation said it has been awarded the Energy Globe Award 2023 for Malta. This recognition, presented by the Austrian Ambassador to Malta, Erika Bernhard, celebrates WSC’s advancements in sustainable water management, particularly highlighting the Ħondoq reverse osmosis (RO) facility in Gozo, WSC said in a statement Saturday.

The Ħondoq RO facility, a pinnacle of modern seawater desalination technology, delivers potable water of exceptional quality while optimising resource utilisation. The plant has a significant daily output, producing 9,000m3 of desalinated water, which not only meets but exceeds Gozo's entire water demand, WSC said.

This output is achieved with an impressive 23% reduction in energy usage compared to traditional desalination processes. This project is a crucial step towards water self-sufficiency for Gozo, fully adhering to EU quality standards.

As Gozo experiences growth in both its economy and population, the Ħondoq ir-Rummien plant is ideally positioned to meet these increasing demands. Its minimal land usage and efficient operations set a new standard in desalination technology, serving as a replicable model for sustainable water solutions globally, WSC said.

The Energy Globe Award, involving over 180 countries, annually honours projects that significantly contribute to environmental conservation. These contributions are through innovative solutions, sustainable projects, and initiatives that raise awareness about environmental sustainability.

Overseen by a distinguished committee, the award is renowned for its rigorous selection criteria, focusing on initiatives that embody practical and sustainable environmental solutions. Receiving this award serves as both an honour and an impetus for WSC to continue its pursuit of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.