IDE Water Technologies launches groundbreaking Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam Desalination Plant

IDE Water Technologies has officially begun operations at the Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam Desalination Plant in Israel. This facility, now the largest desalination plant in the country and one of the largest in the world, is set to produce 200 million cubic meters of clean water annually.

Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam has been shortlisted for the 2025 Global Water Award for Desalination Plant of the Year. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s first seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility powered by steam. The plant incorporates cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy efficiency, integrate carbon capture systems, and reduce on-site manpower—contributing to rapid deployment and achieving a record-low cost for desalinated water.

“The incredible IDE team behind Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam overcame significant challenges to design and deliver a desalination plant that will pioneer the next stage of sustainable desalination and serve as a new global benchmark for seawater desalination,” said Alon Tavor, CEO, IDE Water Technologies. “Now in operation, Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam stands as a model for the future of desalination and IDE’s commitment to providing clean water and sustainable water technology to regions across the globe.”

With a daily capacity of 670,000 cubic meters, the plant reduces its carbon footprint by 30 percent—cutting an estimated 120,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Its innovative setup includes on-site chemical production and steam-powered high-pressure pumps, which lessen reliance on external suppliers and lower transportation and energy expenses.

Equipped with its own power station, Sorek 2 - Be’er Miriam is able to run independently of the national grid, ensuring consistent operation. Its carbon capture system channels recycled CO2 from the power station into the remineralization process. Furthermore, IDE’s proprietary steam-driven direct-drive technology enables a 10 percent reduction in Specific Energy (SE) consumption compared to similar desalination facilities.