The Thiess Degrémont Joint Venture has been contracted by AquaSure to design and construct the Victorian Desalination project in Wonthaggi. The project is for Victoria's Department of Sustainability and Environment, and is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state's history.

Thiess Degrémont will design and construct Australia's largest desalination plant, associated marine tunnels and structures, an 84km water transfer pipeline and a co-located underground powerline to supply power to the plant.

When complete, the plant will be capable of supplying up to 150 billion litres of drinking water each year - about a third of Melbourne's annual water needs - with the capability of future expansion to 200 billion litres.

Following construction and commissioning of the plant, the Degrémont - Thiess Services Joint Venture will operate and maintain the plant for the remainder of the 30-year project term.

The project is a key part of the State Government's Water Plan to save, recycle, distribute and create water. Once completed, the plant will operate with a 100% renewable energy offset, leading to the construction of new wind farms in Victoria by AGL.

Thiess was also awarded the Victorian Desalination Plant - Operations and Maintenance contract.