A major turning point in sustainable water management in West Africa: **ACWA Power**, a Saudi giant in desalination and a pioneer in green hydrogen, has signed strategic agreements with the **government of Senegal** for the realization of the **Grande-Côte desalination project**, the most ambitious ever undertaken in the region. A unique feature of this project: it will be **entirely powered by renewable energy**, a model for the future in terms of water security and energy transition.
### Up to 400,000 m³/day of drinking water for Dakar
With a **total investment of $800 million**, the project will be built in **two phases**, each with a capacity of **200,000 m³/day**. Once operational, the infrastructure will provide **up to 400,000 m³ of drinking water per day** to the Senegalese capital and its surroundings, significantly contributing to **strengthening the country’s water resilience**.
The **full commissioning is expected by 2031**, while a first **financial closing is anticipated by 2026**. The entire project will be conducted in **Public-Private Partnership (PPP)** with **SONES** (Senegal National Water Company), a structuring partnership for the decades to come.
### A 100% green plant, a first at this scale
An exceptional fact: the Grande-Côte will be one of the **few desalination plants in the world** to operate **exclusively on renewable energy**. Green electricity will be supplied by the Senegalese national grid through a **specific agreement with SENELEC**, the public electricity company. This strategic choice is fully aligned with Senegal’s environmental vision, which focuses on sustainable and decarbonized growth.
### A high-level signing in Dakar
The **signing ceremony**, held at the **Presidential Palace in Dakar**, brought together an impressive panel of institutional and economic stakeholders. **President Bassirou Diomaye Faye** attended the event, alongside several key ministers – Water, Finance, Economy – representatives from SONES, and the **Saudi delegation** led by the Saudi ambassador, senior officials from the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority, and the Saudi Water Authority.
### A partnership in service of water sovereignty
For **Raad Al Saady**, Vice President and CEO of ACWA Power, this project “sets a new global benchmark for **sustainable desalination**.” He also emphasizes “the strategic importance of this partnership with Senegal to address global water challenges while respecting climate commitments.”
### A model of PPP and sustainable development
Beyond its technical dimensions, the project illustrates Senegal’s **desire to accelerate the development of critical infrastructure** through public-private partnerships while preserving the environment. It also reinforces ACWA Power’s growing role in Africa, where the company is multiplying clean energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable water management projects.