A river of hope: Transforming Jordan’s future with water security

One of the most urgent issues facing Jordan is a lack of water. Jordan, one of the water-stressed nations on earth, is facing an increasingly serious water problem that could jeopardise social stability, economic sustainability and national security.

The National Water Carrier Project (NCP), also known as the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, is a game-changing project that aims to address this pressing problem. This project aims to ensure Jordan’s water future by producing 300 million cubic metres of desalinated drinking water from the Red Sea each year. By doing this, it directly strengthens the nation’s economic resilience, increases national security and reduces the likelihood of civil upheaval.

The depth of Jordan’s water crisis

Jordan’s water dilemma stems from the country’s unique geography and ecology. With less than 100 cubic metres of renewable water available per person annually, the nation has one of the lowest levels of water availability per capita in the entire globe. This is far less than the 500 cubic metres that are widely accepted as the cut-off point for acute water scarcity. Jordan’s main water supplies, surface and groundwater, are under increasing pressure from the country’s fast expanding population, an influx of refugees brought on by nearby conflicts and the consequences of climate change. Jordan’s water levels are consequently being depleted at unsustainable rates, which is causing decreased agricultural productivity, increased water procurement costs, and rising conflicts over resource allocation.

Estimates indicate that by 2027, Jordan’s water shortage would surpass 300 million cubic meters per year, underscoring the severity of the country’s water issue. This deficiency is equal to the yearly water requirements of about four million people, which makes up a sizeable chunk of the population of Jordan. Reducing this shortfall is essential for life as well as convenience because a lack of water directly jeopardises social cohesiveness, the economy and public health.

Water scarcity is a national security issue as well as an environmental one. In Jordan, social stability and water supply are closely related. Social unrest is more likely when there are not enough water resources to suit the population’s needs. Conflicts at the local and national levels may arise from heightened tensions among communities over water access. Furthermore, Jordan’s continued hosting of a high number of migrants puts further demand on its water supplies, which could exacerbate already-existing vulnerabilities and cause destabilisation.

The project also strengthens Jordan’s geopolitical standing. In the Middle East, where water resources are typically shared across borders and are influenced by sophisticated political factors, water scarcity has long been a source of conflict. Jordan lessens its reliance on outside supplies, which can be subject to political discussions and regional crises, by creating its own independent water supply. Jordan’s sovereignty is reinforced by this autonomy over its water resources, which also helps it better negotiate the region’s complex geopolitics.

Economic resilience through water security

The water problem in Jordan has serious economic implications. An essential resource for household, industrial and agricultural use is water. Food production costs grow, companies encounter operational issues, and people face greater financial hardship as water becomes more expensive and scarcer. This can, therefore, limit economic expansion, limit job prospects and raise poverty rate.

The National Water Carrier Project is intended to reduce these financial risks by guaranteeing Jordan’s main economic sectors have a steady supply of water. The project will meet the residential water needs of millions of Jordanians and help agricultural productivity by supplying 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually to support industrial activities. Encouraging long-term growth, drawing in investment and preserving economic stability all depend on this water security. 

In addition, the project’s financial plan is made to guarantee sustainability. Given the project’s crucial relevance, the Jordanian government has provided $352 million, plus additional funding from financial institutions and other contributors. This widespread financial backing demonstrates how important the project is to Jordan’s stability as well as that of the surrounding area. 

The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model of the project is crucial to its long-term financial viability. In accordance with this concept, the government acquires ownership of the project after the private sector has financed, constructed and operated it for 30 years. This strategy minimises the financial strain on the government while guaranteeing effective project management. The project’s success is further enhanced by the presence of global partners and private sector investors, who bring with them worldwide expertise and creativity.

Environmental sustainability and climate-smart design

The National Water Carrier Project not only solves water scarcity but also serves as an example of environmental sustainability. Jordan’s national climate goals and pledges under the Paris Agreement are in line with the project. The project’s emphasis on lowering greenhouse gas emissions via the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient desalination techniques is one of its main features.

Solar energy will be used in the project; photovoltaic arrays have the capacity to produce up to 300MW of electricity. The desalination process will be powered by this renewable energy, lowering the project’s need on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon impact. The initiative addresses water constraint and advances Jordan’s larger efforts to fight climate change by incorporating renewable energy.

Furthermore, the project complies with stringent environmental regulations, especially with regard to the desalination byproduct of brine disposal. In order to guarantee that the project satisfies some of the strictest environmental standards in the world, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has carried out extensive environmental and social impact evaluations according to the ministry of water and irrigation. This involves capping the rise in salinity within 100 metres of the discharge point in the surrounding marine environment to 2 per cent. The region’s biodiversity and tourism sector depend on the Red Sea ecology, which is why such actions are essential.

Transparent governance and procurement processes

Effective governance is also essential to the National Water Carrier Project’s success. The project’s design and implementation have placed a high priority on accountability, openness and stakeholder involvement. To guarantee that the project is carried out to the highest standards, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation has developed stringent procurement procedures in conjunction with foreign specialists and advisers.

The project’s financing arrangements likewise demonstrate this dedication to openness. In order to ensure that the project is financially sustainable, the government has collaborated extensively with foreign financial institutions to acquire funding on advantageous terms. This strategy lowers the government’s financial load while simultaneously fostering trust with foreign partners, which increases the project’s viability even more.

A strategic pillar for Jordan’s future

Not only a fix for Jordan’s water shortage, the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project is a planned investment in the future of the nation. By addressing one of the biggest problems the kingdom is now facing, the programme seeks to increase Jordan’s economic resilience, strengthen its national security and position the country as a leader in sustainable development. The success of the project will be determined by the stability and riches of the kingdom as well as the water it generates.

Jordan’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of water scarcity, climate change, and regional instability is demonstrated by the National Water Carrier Project. By putting this plan into action, Jordan is actively securing its future and ensuring that its citizens have access to the tools they need to thrive in the twenty-first century. The strategic importance of this project cannot be overstated — it is the lifeblood of the monarchy, a beacon of hope in a dry region, and a model of sustainable development amid world crises.