Dakar, Senegal: In a landmark move for sustainable infrastructure in Africa, ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company and a leader in green energy solutions, has signed major agreements with the Government of Senegal. The goal is to develop West Africa’s largest seawater desalination plant, fully powered by renewable energy.
Project Highlights
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Capacity: 400,000 m³/day of potable water
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Location: Grande-Côte, Senegal
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Investment: USD 800 million
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Timeline: Completion by 2031, in two phases
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Energy Source: 100% green electricity from Senegal’s national grid
A Game-Changer for Senegal’s Water Security
This groundbreaking Grande-Côte seawater desalination project will provide up to 400,000 cubic meters of fresh water per day, significantly improving water security for Dakar and surrounding communities.
The project will be delivered in two phases:
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Phase One: 200,000 m³/day
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Phase Two: An additional 200,000 m³/day
Commercial operations are set to begin by 2031, with financial closure targeted for 2026.
High-Level Partnership for Sustainable Growth
The official signing ceremony took place at Senegal’s Presidential Palace. The event brought together key leaders:
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His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Fay, President of Senegal
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Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
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Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget
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Abdourahmane Sarr, Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation
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Representatives from SONES, Senegal’s national water asset company
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Senior delegation from ACWA Power
Also in attendance was a high-profile Saudi delegation, including officials from the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority, Saudi Water Authority, and the Saudi Embassy in Senegal.
Fully Powered by Renewable Energy
A standout feature of the Grande-Côte project is its exclusive use of renewable energy. The plant will operate on green electricity supplied through a dedicated agreement with SENELEC, Senegal’s state-owned power company. This makes the project one of the few large-scale desalination plants in the world powered entirely by clean energy.
This initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader sustainability and climate goals, positioning the country as a regional leader in green infrastructure.
Strengthening Senegal’s Infrastructure
The project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with SONES. It will:
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Enhance Senegal’s water infrastructure
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Provide a sustainable solution to water scarcity
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Support economic growth and public health
Leadership Comments
Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power, expressed his enthusiasm:
“The signing of these agreements underscores ACWA Power’s commitment to sustainable development. We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Senegal to secure a sustainable water future for Dakar and its communities. This project sets a new global benchmark for environmentally responsible desalination.”
A Model for Africa
This partnership highlights Senegal’s proactive approach in utilizing public-private collaborations to deliver critical infrastructure projects. It also reinforces ACWA Power’s role in advancing sustainable infrastructure across Africa.
