WWC Chief: Egypt’s 15-GW El Tor project models water-energy integration

Egypt’s planned El Tor pumped-storage hydropower station in South Sinai, expected to generate 15 gigawatts and provide 250 gigawatt-hours of storage capacity, offers a model for integrating water management with renewable energy, World Water Council (WWC) President Loïc Fauchon said Sunday.

Wastewater reuse supports water security:

Fauchon cited Egypt’s Al Gabal Al Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant in Qalyubia Governorate as a successful model for wastewater reuse. Its treatment capacity is set to increase to 3.5 million cubic meters per day, serving sanitation, energy production and water reuse.

He called for expanding wastewater reuse in agriculture and industry, alongside low-cost desalination, water transfers between regions and the prudent use of groundwater.

Shift toward demand management:

Fauchon said climate change, population growth, prolonged droughts and sudden floods require countries to move beyond prioritizing water supply and focus more on managing demand.

He urged reducing consumption through digital systems to detect water losses and repair leaks, as well as water-saving technologies in agriculture, industry and households. Public awareness and behavioral change are also essential to conserving water, with younger generations playing a key role.

Summing up the priorities as “preserve, reserve, serve,” Fauchon stressed the importance of protecting water resources, maintaining reserves across seasons and regions, and expanding storage infrastructure while safeguarding biodiversity.

Reducing water footprints, food waste:

Fauchon called for addressing water-intensive practices across agriculture, livestock farming, industry and tourism, alongside reducing food loss and waste.

He said around 40% of food produced globally goes unconsumed, amounting to 2.5 billion tons annually and wasting significant quantities of water, energy, fertilizers and seeds. He urged the international community to make food waste reduction a global priority within the Sustainable Development Goals.

International cooperation, youth engagement:

Fauchon called for stronger international cooperation to share and implement water-management solutions across countries and regions, highlighting Egypt’s expertise in advancing water security.

He also stressed the need to engage young people through education and knowledge-sharing to foster a stronger culture of water conservation.

Reaffirming the WWC’s support for Egypt’s water-security efforts, Fauchon called for cooperation over shared water resources and rejected the prospect of water wars.

He also highlighted preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for March 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as an opportunity to advance international cooperation on water challenges.