In a move that underscores his commitment to tackling some of North Africa’s most pressing challenges, Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, is steering the company into the second phase of Morocco’s Agadir desalination project. This milestone not only represents AMEA Power’s first water desalination venture in the region but also serves as a testament to Al Nowais’s vision of uniting renewable energy generation with sustainable water infrastructure.
Expanding a Critical Resource for Morocco
The Agadir desalination plant is already a cornerstone of Morocco’s water security strategy. With its planned expansion, the facility’s production capacity will grow to 400,000 cubic meters per day — an increase that will make it one of Africa’s largest desalination facilities. The plant will serve as a crucial source of freshwater for the Souss-Massa region, bolstering agricultural output, supporting local industries, and providing reliable water for a growing population.
The first phase of the plant was developed and is currently operated by Spanish firm Cox, a global leader in water and energy management. Under the second phase, AMEA Power will join the project as a strategic partner, delivering renewable energy from its 150-megawatt wind farm in Laayoune to power the expanded operations. This renewable integration is a direct reflection of Hussain Al Nowais’s commitment to sustainable, future-proof infrastructure.
The Power of Integrated Solutions
For Hussain Al Nowais, the Agadir project is more than just a new business venture — it’s a model for how to address intertwined global challenges. He has long championed the idea that access to water and energy must be considered together, particularly in regions where both resources face mounting pressures from population growth and climate change.
In his view, the decision to pair a large-scale desalination facility with dedicated wind energy is a decisive step toward decarbonizing essential infrastructure. By harnessing the steady wind resources of Laayoune, AMEA Power will ensure that the plant operates on a clean, stable, and cost-effective energy supply, greatly reducing its environmental impact compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives.
Hussain Al Nowais emphasizes that this approach not only meets today’s needs but also sets a precedent for how similar projects can be developed across Africa and beyond. He sees it as a scalable model — one that aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean water, affordable energy, and climate action.
A Landmark Partnership
This second phase of the Agadir project is the first initiative to be executed under the strategic joint venture agreement signed in May 2025 between AMEA Power and Cox. Al Nowais views the partnership as a powerful example of how international collaboration can deliver practical, lasting solutions to shared global challenges.
According to Hussain Al Nowais, AMEA Power’s participation reflects the company’s ambition to address water and energy challenges through integrated solutions. He regards the Agadir desalination project as not only the company’s first step into North Africa’s water sector, but also as tangible proof of what long-term partnerships can accomplish for sustainable development across the region.
Significant Investment for Long-Term Impact
The combined investment for the desalination expansion and associated wind power facility is expected to exceed €250 million. The desalination plant’s expansion is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, while the Laayoune wind farm is scheduled to come online in 2027.
Hussain Al Nowais sees this scale of investment as essential for delivering meaningful impact. He believes that large-scale, integrated infrastructure projects are key to transforming economies and improving the quality of life in regions vulnerable to environmental stress.
Strengthening AMEA Power’s Presence in Morocco
Morocco is central to AMEA Power’s long-term growth strategy. Hussain Al Nowais has identified the Kingdom as a market where ambitious renewable energy policies and urgent water security needs converge, creating opportunities for innovation and leadership.
With several renewable projects already in development across the country, AMEA Power’s work in Morocco is closely aligned with national goals to expand renewable capacity, strengthen water infrastructure, and promote sustainable economic development. For Al Nowais, the Agadir project is a strategic step in deepening the company’s presence and impact in the region.
A Model for North Africa and Beyond
Water scarcity is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like North Africa. Traditional desalination has often been criticized for its heavy energy demands and associated carbon emissions. Under Al Nowais’s guidance, AMEA Power’s model of pairing desalination with renewable energy addresses these concerns head-on.
By integrating wind power into the operation of the Agadir plant, the project demonstrates that large-scale desalination can be both environmentally responsible and economically viable. Hussain Al Nowais sees this as a proof point for other countries facing similar challenges, offering a blueprint for sustainable water production without compromising climate goals.
About AMEA Power
Headquartered in Dubai, AMEA Power is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in Africa, the Middle East, and emerging Asia. Under Hussain Al Nowais’s leadership, the company has built a project pipeline exceeding 6 gigawatts, with more than 2,600 megawatts already in operation or under construction.
The company’s portfolio spans wind, solar, battery storage, water desalination, and green hydrogen, reflecting a holistic approach to the global energy transition. With operations in 20 countries and a team of industry experts, AMEA Power is well-positioned to continue expanding its influence and delivering solutions that address multiple dimensions of sustainable development.
