Egypt and Hydrovolta discuss 10-million-cubic-metre desalination project

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, held discussions with Hydrovolta President George Brek regarding a large-scale desalination initiative. The proposed project aims to achieve a daily desalination capacity of 10 million cubic metres by 2050, potentially utilizing existing power plant infrastructure.

The discussions centered on Hydrovolta’s SonixED technology, which integrates electrodialysis with ultrasound to remove ions and pollutants while minimizing salt precipitation. This method is designed to reduce energy consumption, chemical requirements, and scaling issues. The technology is capable of treating highly saline groundwater for irrigation or drinking purposes.

A key component of the proposal involves the extraction of commercial minerals and chemicals from desalination residue. This includes products such as magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, bromine, and hydrochloric acid. The first phase of the project targets 3.35 million cubic metres daily, with a focus on chemical production to decrease national reliance on imports. A subsequent phase would focus on the commercial extraction and purification of magnesium.

To manage long-term operational costs, officials are exploring the integration of solar and wind energy into the desalination process. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s strategy to support development in coastal areas and expand urban, industrial, and tourism sectors through sustainable water management.