Faced with escalating climate change and mounting pressure on natural resources, Algeria is proactively forging a new water strategy. This initiative aims to redefine the nation’s relationship with water, not merely as a social service, but as a cornerstone of national sovereignty. What was once a technical issue within developmental policies has now become a strategic imperative, intertwined with food security, social stability, and economic independence.
Under the recent presidential directives, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is spearheading a fundamental shift in the state’s approach to water resource management. The focus is moving from simple management to proactive security and long-term sovereign planning. Seawater desalination plants are no longer just infrastructure projects; they are geopolitical tools to safeguard national security against the impacts of climate change and transboundary water scarcity crises.
**Key Indicators: Desalination Plants**
* **Operating Plants (Mid-2025):** Approximately 19
* **Total Current Production Capacity:** Approximately 3.7 million m³/day
* **Additional Capacity (Supplementary Program):** 1.5 million m³/day (5 plants x 300,000 m³)
* **National Target (2030):** 5.6 million m³/day
* **Desalinated Water Contribution:** Currently 18% – Projected 40%
* **Total Planned Plants (2030):** Approximately 25-27
With this vision, Algeria is charting a new course toward water independence by 2030. The strategy combines science and sovereignty, technology and governance, to establish a unique Arab and African model for transforming environmental challenges into a source of national strength and regional stability. This ambitious plan relies heavily on desalination technology to augment existing water supplies, especially in arid regions. The government is also investing in water conservation measures and improved irrigation techniques to reduce water waste in agriculture, a significant consumer of water resources.
**Presidential Directives Chart a Course for Water Sovereignty**
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued a series of orders and directives to the government during the latest Council of Ministers meeting, which focused on strategic projects in the water, environment, and energy sectors. The council approved the establishment of three new seawater desalination plants in the provinces of Chlef, Mostaganem, and Tlemcen, each with a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day. Locations for three additional plants will be determined in future meetings.
The President emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of these projects to achieve water security goals. He also stressed the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term availability of this vital resource. Algeria’s commitment to water security is not only about meeting domestic needs but also about playing a leading role in addressing regional water challenges. By sharing its expertise and resources, Algeria aims to contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the entire region. The focus on desalination and efficient water management underscores Algeria’s proactive stance in adapting to climate change and securing its water future.
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