In a groundbreaking development, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) — the world’s largest multilateral climate fund — has announced its biggest investment ever, supporting a $6 billion water desalination project in Jordan. This historic move aims to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by the region: extreme water scarcity.
The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project is set to reshape Jordan’s environmental and economic landscape. “It will transform the country,” said Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the GCF, emphasizing that this marks the fund’s highest investment in a single project. The announcement comes as the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil this November, a decade after the Paris Agreement — a timely reminder of the global commitment to combat climate change.
At a recent board meeting in South Korea, the GCF approved a grant and loan package worth $295 million to attract co-financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other private sector partners. The United States has also pledged $300 million in grants and $1 billion in loans, underlining Jordan’s importance as a strategic regional ally.
A Lifeline for a Thirsty Nation
Jordan ranks as the second most water-scarce country in the world, with limited access to fresh water threatening both livelihoods and stability. The new desalination plant will produce 300 million cubic meters of water annually, supplying almost half of Jordan’s population.
Rising global temperatures — projected to climb by up to 4°C by the end of the century — combined with declining rainfall, are expected to exacerbate Jordan’s already dire water situation. “This project is a strategic priority for us,” stated Raed Abu Soud, Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation.
The initiative, led by Meridiam and SUEZ, is among the largest desalination efforts in the world. It aims to make water more affordable by reducing costs by 10 cents per liter, potentially saving the Jordanian government over $1 billion over the project’s lifespan.
A Turning Point for Climate Financing
The Jordan project is one of 24 initiatives considered at the latest GCF board meeting, representing $1.4 billion in potential funding — the fund’s biggest-ever financial disbursement. The GCF’s commitment also signals a shift toward faster decision-making and a renewed push for private sector engagement in climate resilience projects.
As the world looks ahead to COP30, the Jordan desalination project stands as a beacon of what international cooperation and climate finance can achieve. It’s not just about technology or infrastructure — it’s about hope, sustainability, and securing the future for millions who depend on it.
