1 min read

Jordan Signs Record $5bn Water Deal

14/01/2025, 14:15

Jordan. Image: Unsplash

A groundbreaking $5 billion agreement has been signed between Jordan and a French-Egyptian consortium to construct one of the world's largest desalination facilities, addressing the kingdom's critical water scarcity challenges.

Dan Görgü

The consortium, led by French infrastructure specialist Meridiam and including Suez, Egyptian contractor Orascom, and Vinci Grands Projets, will spearhead the Aqaba Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project. This initiative represents the largest infrastructure investment in Jordan’s history.

Transformative Impact

Set for completion in 2029, the facility will boost Jordan’s water supply by nearly 60%, producing over 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually. A 445-kilometer pipeline network will transport desalinated water from the Red Sea to both Aqaba and Amman, serving approximately 3 million residents.

Financing and Water Crisis

The European Investment Bank has committed $200 million to the project. Current fresh water availability in Jordan stands at less than 100 cubic meters per person annually, far below the 500 cubic meter threshold that defines water stress.

Strategic Shift

Under the 30-year concession agreement, the consortium will handle design, construction, and operations. This development replaces Jordan’s previous participation in the Dead Sea-Red Sea connection project initially agreed upon with Israel and Palestinian authorities in 2013.