- UAE based AMEA Power in partnership with Cox has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (MINEA) for the development of a large seawater desalination plant on the Mussulo Peninsula.
- The plant will have a capacity of 100,000 m³/day and will supply water to approximately 800,000 people.
AMEA Power began the initial development activities in 2022 with a Memorandum of Understanding that has advanced, driven by the strengthening of commercial relations between the UAE and Angola and the support of their leadership.
The project will be executed through Water Alliance Ventures, the strategic joint venture formed by Cox and AMEA Power, which combines Cox’s technology and innovation with AMEA Power’s local expertise and institutional support. This collaboration strengthens Cox’s growth in the Middle East and Africa while minimizing risks in these high-demand water and energy markets. The partnership is driving desalination and water treatment projects in these regions exceeding 2 million m³/day.
The total project cost is more than USD $200 million. The new desalination plant will have a total capacity of 100,000 m³/day and will be constructed in two phases of 50,000 m³/day each. Each phase will generate 300 jobs during construction and around 25 permanent positions during operation. Once operational, the infrastructure will ensure a reliable supply of potable water to approximately 800,000 residents of the Mussulo Peninsula and the neighboring Futungo district, significantly improving access to water in Luanda, Angola. In addition, the plant will complement public initiatives such as the Bita and Quilonga projects, which are key to addressing the capital’s water infrastructure challenges.
The project also benefits from the support of the United Arab Emirates Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), reflecting the UAE’s historic commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Angola and supporting critical infrastructure that promotes sustainable development.
Construction of the first phase is expected to begin following the completion of technical and environmental studies, with commissioning scheduled for Q2 2028.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
