Jordan Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP)

Jordan faces extreme water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and population growth. In 2022, the country had a water deficit of 20 per cent despite 94 per cent network access. Most households receive water less than 48 hours weekly, threatening public health and economic growth. Projections predict a 4°C temperature rise and 21 per cent less rainfall by the century’s end, further increasing demand and reducing renewable water resources. AAWDCP is a flagship initiative set to desalinate 300 million cubic metres of water annually, covering about 40 per cent of municipal needs by 2030 and 45 per cent by 2040.  This will be achieved through the construction of marine infrastructure, a desalination plant in Aqaba (Red Sea), a 438-kilometer pipeline, and the integration of c. 281 MWp of renewable energy. Fresh water will be supplied to the country’s main governorates, including Amman, where 40 per cent of the population resides. In addition to climate adaptation, the project aims to reduce emissions, with a solar power component that will supply approximately 27 per cent of the project’s total energy requirements, avoiding an estimated minimum of 6,742,402 tonnes of CO2 over the first 26 years of operations. The project complements Jordan’s National Non-Revenue Water Strategy and the Financial Sustainability Roadmap, which target efficiency gains, tariff reforms, and operational cost recovery. GCF’s concessional funding will play a pivotal role in maintaining affordability.  It forms a cornerstone of Jordan’s water resilience strategy and will provide a model for climate adaptation in water-scarce regions.