ACWA Power signs MoU to enhance Egypt’s water desalination sector

ACWA Power signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Housing; Utilities & Urban Communities represented by the New Urban Communities Authority; Holding Company for Water and Wastewater (HCWW); and Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy represented by Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, to conduct preliminary and feasibility studies for a series of water desalination projects in Egypt.

The projects will be powered by solar and wind, or a combination of both renewable energy sources, the Saudi-based utilities provider said in a statement.

Upon completion, the studies will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities and Egyptian Electricity Holding Company.

“We will utilize our capability in delivering renewable energy and desalinated water at the lowest possible cost to support the ambition of the Government of Egypt to leverage the considerable energy sources available,” Paddy Padmanathan, Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power, said.

“This will also decarbonize and reduce the cost of much needed desalinated water, thus ensuring the availability of adequate potable water to ensure the wellbeing of the people and the expansion of economic activity,” he further added.

In Egypt, ACWA Power currently leads on a number of renewable energy projects, including Benban PV IPP in Aswan, with a production capacity of 120 megawatts (MW) and total investment of $190 million; and Kom Ombo PV with a production capacity of 200 MW.

On the traditional energy front, ACWA Power is working on a combined