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Signing Ceremony of the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the French Consortium led by Meridiam
Jordan has taken a significant step forward in securing its water future, with Prime Minister Jafar Hassan overseeing the signing of the final technical and legal agreement for the Aqaba–Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, known as the National Water Carrier, at the Prime Ministry.
The signing paves the way for financial close in July, with construction set to begin this summer. The project carries a capital cost of $4.3 billion, rising to roughly $5.8 billion when financing is included.
The initiative is the first of its kind globally, combining annual desalination of 300 million cubic meters of seawater, the second largest desalination plant worldwide, a 450-kilometre pipeline capable of pumping water to elevations of 1,100 metres, and heavy reliance on renewable energy. Once operational in 2030, it will meet around 40% of Jordan's drinking water needs, double the per capita annual water share from 60 to 110 cubic metres, and expand household water supply from one to three days per week.
The water price was negotiated down from roughly $3 per cubic metre to an indicative $2.7. Funding comes from a broad coalition including 29 donors and international institutions, $663 million in grants, $2.9 billion in private financing through developer Meridiam, a $722 million government contribution, the largest capital project expenditure in Jordan's history, and up to $1.1 billion from Jordanian commercial banks.
Structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement, the project transfers to full government ownership after 26 years.