Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli chaired a follow-up meeting on Thursday to review plans for expanding seawater desalination projects and localising related industries.
During the meeting, the premier emphasised that water security is a national priority, noting that desalination is essential to meet population growth and development needs.
Madbouli stressed the government’s commitment to selecting the best international offers, ensuring high-quality and sustainable technology transfer, and providing incentives for investors. He directed that clear timelines be set for ongoing projects and that obstacles be removed.
Housing Minister Randa El-Menshawy presented the strategic plan for desalination (2020–2050), which is divided into six five-year phases. Egypt currently operates 129 plants with a total capacity of 1.41 million cubic meters per day, with 19 more under construction. Future projects include 11 public-private partnership (PPP) plants in coastal governorates and 14 additional PPP projects with a combined capacity of 2.36 million cubic meters per day.
El-Menshawy also highlighted efforts to localise desalination membrane production and promote domestic manufacturing of electromechanical equipment. Coordination is underway with national and international companies to establish new factories in Egypt, targeting both local and export markets.
On energy efficiency, the minister reported a 40 per cent reduction in electricity consumption at the ministry and its affiliated bodies, achieved through measures such as reduced lighting and slowing fuel-intensive projects. Consumption dropped from 13.5 million kWh per month to 8.1 million kWh, cutting costs from LE31.59 million to LE18.954 million.
