Sousse desalination plant begins operations to secure water supply

The Sidi Abdelhamid seawater desalination plant in Sousse, Tunisia, is now operational, providing a critical boost to the region's water supply. Officially inaugurated on October 16, 2026, the facility has an initial production capacity of 50,000 cubic meters per day, which is designed to be expandable to 100,000 cubic meters daily.

Representing an investment of 133 million dinars, the station aims to secure drinking water for approximately 3.7 million residents across the Sahel region, including Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia. According to Abdelhamid Mnaja, CEO of SONEDE, the plant could cover up to 90% of the Sahel's water deficit during peak summer consumption periods.

While the plant offers immediate relief to water-stressed areas, experts note that the broader energy transition remains a significant challenge. The 2027 finance law is expected to address this by introducing fiscal measures, such as tax exemptions, to support electricity storage and ecological transitions.