French-led Consortium to Build $6B Water Desalination and Pipeline Project in Jordan | Engineering News-Record
Summary
A French-led consortium is set to construct a $6 billion water desalination and pipeline project in Jordan, aimed at addressing the country's severe water scarcity by supplying up to 40% of its drinking water needs by 2029.
Why It Matters
This project represents a significant investment in infrastructure that addresses chronic water shortages in Jordan, a country facing severe water stress. By providing a sustainable water source, it aims to improve the quality of life for millions and enhance the country's long-term water security, which is crucial for its development and stability.
Key Takeaways
- The project will construct the world's second-largest desalination facility to meet Jordan's water needs.
- It is expected to supply 40% of the country's drinking water, benefiting over 3 million people.
- The initiative includes a solar energy farm to power the desalination process, promoting sustainability.
- The project is a public-private partnership, highlighting collaboration between government and private sectors.
- Completion is targeted for 2029, marking a critical step towards improving Jordan's water security.
NewsProjectsWater & Dams Water Infrastructure French-led Consortium to Build $6B Water Desalination and Pipeline Project in Jordan By Gary Lakes David Bjorgen via Wikimedia Creative Commons 3.0 February 2, 2026 One of the most water-stressed countries on the planet is due to see a boost in water supply by the end of the decade. Construction is underway on a $6-billion water desalination and pipeline project that promises to ease chronic water restrictions in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.A consortium led by French engineering firms Meridiam and Suez and including France’s Vinci Construction and Egypt’s Orascom Construction signed a 30-year concession agreement in January 2025 with Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation under a design, build, finance, operate, maintain and transfer model. The private-public partnership will result in construction of the world’s second-largest desalination facility, a 450-km water conveyor between the Jordanian port of Aqaba on the Red Sea and Jordan’s capital, Amman, and a solar energy farm that will supply the project with around 28% of its energy needs. The group is to have the project up and running by 2029.The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Jordan and is viewed as essential for the country’s 11 million people, many of whom have limited or restricted access to water. The ministry joined with Meridiam and Suez to form the National Carrier Project Co., a s...
