Anglian Water has launched a procurement valued at approximately £6 million for a Strategic Desalination Advisor to support the development of two planned seawater desalination plants in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, reinforcing the UK's long-term investment in water security and sustainable infrastructure.

The procurement forms part of Anglian Water's wider Adaptive Plan, developed under its Water Resources Management Plan 2024 (WRMP24), which identifies a projected daily water supply shortfall of approximately 593 megalitres by 2050 if additional water resource projects are not delivered.

Supporting the UK's Future Desalination Programme

The successful Strategic Advisor will work alongside Anglian Water's senior management team throughout the development phase of the desalination programme.

The contract covers strategic guidance across programme delivery, desalination technologies, governance, commercial planning, sustainability, risk management, and regulatory support while helping strengthen internal capability for delivering complex water infrastructure projects.

The framework has an estimated value of £4.97 million excluding VAT (approximately £5.97 million including VAT) and is expected to run from November 2026 through April 2030, with extension options available until 2035.

Two Major Desalination Plants Planned

The advisory contract supports the development of two proposed seawater desalination facilities that will source water from the North Sea.

Both plants are expected to incorporate:

• Seawater intake infrastructure
• Pre-treatment systems
• Reverse osmosis technology
• Remineralisation processes
• Integration into the regional water supply network

According to Anglian Water, the projects represent the first seawater desalination plants planned for its operational region and form a key component of its long-term strategy for improving water resilience.

Earlier in 2026, Anglian Water appointed a joint venture between TYPSA and Stantec as Technical Partner for the programme following a separate procurement process.

Procurement Process Underway

The Strategic Advisor procurement is being conducted through a two-stage competitive procedure.

The current Request for Information (RFI) stage remains open until 15 July 2026, after which shortlisted suppliers will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal stage.

Contract award is currently anticipated in October 2026.

Larger Procurement Opportunities Ahead

While the current procurement focuses on strategic advisory services, Anglian Water has confirmed that the construction of the desalination plants will be procured separately through a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) model.

The CAP procurement is currently expected to commence during late 2027 or early 2028, creating significant future opportunities for infrastructure developers, engineering firms, technology providers, and construction contractors.

Future Opportunities Across the Water Infrastructure Supply Chain

Anglian Water's desalination programme is expected to create opportunities for suppliers involved in:

• Desalination technologies
• Reverse osmosis systems
• Water treatment equipment
• Marine intake and outfall infrastructure
• Pumps and process equipment
• Civil engineering and construction
• Electrical and automation systems
• Instrumentation and control
• Environmental consulting
• Programme management and engineering services

As water utilities continue investing in climate resilience and long-term water security, large-scale desalination projects are expected to play an increasingly important role in future infrastructure programmes across the UK.

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