Ep 2. Drought-Proofing Australia

Build It Bigger season 5 episode 2, titled "Drought-Proofing Australia," follows host Danny Forster as he explores how Australia is tackling its chronic water shortage problem by building one of the largest desalination plants in the world. The episode begins by highlighting the severity of the drought in Australia and the devastating impact it has had on the country's agriculture, which makes up a significant portion of its economy.

Forster then visits the desalination plant site in Victoria, where he meets with the team responsible for constructing the plant, including engineers, geologists, and environmental experts. He learns about the various challenges they faced, including building the plant on the coast, which posed unique construction and environmental challenges, and the need to balance the plant's energy demands with Australia's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The show provides an in-depth look at the cutting-edge technology used in the desalination process, including reverse osmosis filtration and energy recovery systems, and how it works to convert seawater into clean drinking water. Forster also explores the challenges of transporting the water from the plant to homes and businesses across the region, as well as the efforts to ensure the plant has minimal impact on the local environment.

Throughout the episode, Forster emphasizes the significance of the project not only for Australia but for other water-scarce regions across the world, who are looking to desalination as a solution to their water shortages. He also highlights the innovative approaches taken by the Australian government and the plant's builders to minimize the environmental impact of the project, including using renewable energy sources and taking measures to protect local marine life.

"Drought-Proofing Australia" showcases the importance of investing in infrastructure to address critical issues facing nations and the world today, such as water scarcity. The episode also provides a fascinating look at the professionals who make these massive projects possible by applying cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to difficult challenges. Overall, the episode serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of engineering to make a positive impact on society.