Iraq Launches Construction of $4 Billion Seawater Desalination Plant in Basra

Reuters

Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the ceremony to launch the construction of the seawater desalina

Iraq has officially begun work on its first large-scale seawater desalination plant in Basra, a landmark project aimed at tackling the country’s ongoing water crisis, particularly in the drought-stricken southern regions.

According to state media (INA), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani inaugurated construction on the strategic desalination facility, which will have a total capacity of 1 million cubic metres per day.

Reuters reported that the $4 billion project is being developed by China’s PowerChina in partnership with the Baghdad-based Al Ridha Group. The Basra Seawater Desalination Plant is expected to begin commercial operations in June 2028, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed in a statement.

In addition to the main desalination facility, the project includes the construction of a 300MW power plant to supply electricity to the plant, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

The initiative forms part of the Iraqi government’s broader strategy to address chronic water shortages in Basra and surrounding areas. To provide immediate relief, the government also plans to install smaller-scale desalination stations across the governorate during the construction period.

These include:

Shatt Al Arab Desalination Plant: 5,000 cubic metres per hour

Al Faw Plant: 3,000 cubic metres per hour

Al Siba Plant: 3,000 cubic metres per hour

Abu Flous Plant: 3,000 cubic metres per hour

Safwan Plant: 1,000 cubic metres per hour

The project marks a major step in Iraq’s efforts to secure sustainable drinking water for millions of citizens in the country’s south and reduce dependence on upstream river flows that have been impacted by climate change and regional water policies.



PUKMEDIA