9 facts about Egypt's mega desalination project

Egypt is embarking on an ambitious mega desalination project aimed at securing water resources for the future. Here are nine key facts about this large-scale initiative:

1. Project Launch and Bidding Timeline
Egypt plans to kick off the bidding process for the first phase of its mega desalination project in late 2024. This phase will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, engaging multiple stakeholders to develop renewable energy-powered desalination plants across the country.

2. Oversight and Management
The project is overseen by The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance’s PPP Central Unit. Together, they are responsible for coordinating the project’s implementation, ensuring both financial and operational feasibility.

3. Long-Term Capacity Goals
The ultimate aim of Egypt’s desalination strategy is to boost the country's water production capacity to 8.85 million cubic meters per day (m3/day) by 2050. This marks a significant increase from the current capacity of 1.3 million m3/day, representing nearly an eightfold rise.

4. First Phase Details
The initial phase of the project will involve the construction of 15 desalination plants with a combined capacity of 3.35 million m3/day by 2025. The first batch will include four facilities, with an expected investment of about $3 billion, and each plant will operate under a 30-year concession agreement.

5. Initial Plants and Investments
Two of the first plants to be tendered are located in Dabaa and El Hamam, with capacities of 40,000 m³/day and 190,000 m³/day, respectively. These two projects alone represent a combined investment of approximately $210 million.

6. Prequalification of Consortia
In May 2023, the TSFE and the Ministry of Finance’s PPP Central Unit prequalified 17 consortia to participate in the first phase. These consortia were categorized into four groups based on their expertise and capacity, streamlining the project rollout by matching suitable partners to appropriate tasks.

7. Continuous Project Rollout
The government intends to launch new batches of desalination plants every five to six months as land is secured. This staggered approach aims to maintain momentum and systematically expand Egypt's desalination capacity over time.

8. Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of Egypt’s desalination strategy. The project is designed to align with the country's long-term ecological goals, ensuring that all phases of the desalination efforts are compatible with sustainable practices and renewable energy usage.

9. Strategic Importance
The desalination mega-project is part of a broader 30-year strategy that began in 2020, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to addressing its water scarcity challenges. By significantly increasing desalination capacity, Egypt aims to enhance its water security and support the country’s growing population and industrial needs.

This mega-project underscores Egypt’s proactive approach to managing its water resources, combining modern technology, substantial investment, and a commitment to sustainability. As the project progresses, it promises to play a pivotal role in Egypt's water management strategy, setting an example for similar initiatives in the region.