Algeria has announced plans to be self-sufficiency in seawater desalination by planning to produce reverse osmosis membranes locally. This move aims to reduce import costs and strengthen the country’s water security.
The project was announced by Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, during a parliamentary day focused on seawater desalination. The Algerian Energy Company (AEC), a subsidiary of Sonatrach, has been pivotal in this initiative, partnering with international companies like the German firm Port Energy Logistic (PEL) to manufacture these semi-permeable membranes locally.
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Reverse osmosis membranes
Reverse osmosis membranes are crucial for treating seawater by separating salt from water, a process that not only saves energy but also protects the environment. Algeria’s current reliance on imported membranes for its 14 desalination plants is set to change with this new local production initiative, which is expected to make these materials more accessible and reduce the country’s import bill.
This initiative aligns with AEC’s ongoing efforts to enhance water security and supports the public authorities’ guidelines to strengthen the desalination sector. Local production of desalination membranes is anticipated to stimulate the local industry, create jobs, and support the construction of more desalination plants. This is essential for Algeria, which aims to cover 60% of its drinking water needs from seawater desalination by 2030, up from the current 42%.
