Marsa Shagra Resort solar-powered desalination plant in Egypt

The first solar-powered water desalination plant in Marsa Alam, Egypt, has been inaugurated. The facility was inaugurated by KarmWater, the water solutions division of KarmSolar following the completion of its construction.

The works were carried out under a Water Purchase Agreement (WPA) contract. KarmWater entered into the agreement with Red Sea Diving Safari – Marsa Shagra, one of the oldest resorts in the Red Sea region.

The water desalination plant in Marsa Alam has a 50% increased daily capacity of 300 m3/day. Additionally, it has a 42% better water salinity compared to other conventional sources in the area.

It will cover 100% of the Red Sea Diving Safari – Marsa Shagra’s water needs all year round. Water from the facility will be at a competitive price that values 25% less than the market norm.

40% of the total cost of the first solar-powered water desalination plant in Marsa Alam spend on solar installation

Reportedly, nearly 40% of the total cost of the construction of the water desalination facility was used on the installation of the solar power plant.

The utilization of solar energy instead of any other source is resulting in a more economical and competitively priced renewable source of water. Consequently, this could potentially drive much greater growth and expansion for water desalination, for which historically the hurdle has been cost.