Egypt Expands Water Desalination to Cope with Population Growth

The Egyptian government intends to expand water desalination, in order to face the "population increase" and the scarcity of water resources.

Dr. Hani Sweilem, Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, said that Egypt's water resources are sufficient only for half of its needs.

During his participation in the meeting of the Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Resources in the Senate ( the upper chamber of Parliament), Swailem stressed: “The importance of working on expanding the field of water desalination, as an important resource for renewable water to meet the population increase.” He pointed out the optimal use of the water unit that achieves economic feasibility, and the modern technology and solar energy in desalination, which will contribute to reducing costs.

The minister explained that "energy is the most important element in the field of water treatment and desalination."

He called for "expanding studies on providing requirements for the desalination membrane industry."