40 n WATER October 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com $9.7bn project will transform Egyptian desert into farmland Egypt has embarked on a $9.7bn project, including creating a 114kmlong artificial river, that is aimed at reclaiming 9,200km2 of desert in the Nile delta region for use by farmers. Using water from the Nile, combined with an advanced wastewater treatment, the New Delta Project aims to boost the country’s agricultural land by up to 30%, cut its need to import food, and spark economic growth amid water disputes with Ethiopia. Launched in 2021, the scheme will use the artificial river to transport water, including treated wastewater from the world's largest treatment plant, at El Daba, to the new farmlands. It aims to transform previously unused and often inhospitable land into fertile farmland. The multi-phase project will increase production of strategic crops such as wheat and corn, create new communities and economic zones, and aims to be completed by 2040. The already operational El Daba treatment plant can handle 7.5 million m3 of wastewater a day. A main aim of the project is to boost local production to reduce Egypt's reliance on food imports. The project includes plans for residential zones, commercial areas, and industrial facilities. A new city, called Jirian, located 42km west of Cairo, is also part of the scheme. By expanding agricultural output and fostering new industries, the project aims to stimulate the Egyptian economy. It also aims to decentralise the nation’s population and economic activity, alleviating pressure on the densely populated original Nile Delta. In one of the driest regions in the world, efficient water management is crucially important. Water is a precious resource and its sustainable use is essential for the success of the project. The New Delta project is using advanced technology to ensure that water is moved efficiently, reliably and in a way that conserves resources. As part of the project, more than 100 medium-voltage VSDs (variable-speed drives) and soft-starters are being used to ensure that the large irrigation pumping stations operate smoothly. These systems are intended to reduce energy consumption while ensuring reliability. They have been installed in the pumping stations operated by the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation. The motor control systems, supplied by Aucom, operate at a rated voltage of 11kV and include soft-starters with outputs of up to 300A as well as VSDs with outputs up to 200A. The motors operated by these drives deliver up to 3.5MW to the water pumps. The combination of the MV drives and soft-starters will allow the pumps to start up smoothly and in a controlled manner, reducing mechanical loads and wear. At the same time, the precise control of the pumping systems will allow them to adjust to match the actual water demand, further reducing energy consumption. This is a key in ensuring the longevity of the systems and sustainable, resource-saving operation. This not only saves water, but also energy – an important contribution to environmental protection and cost efficiency. n In an ambitious project, Egypt is aiming to convert a large part of the Nile delta into lush farmland, cutting its food imports and sparking economic growth. The scheme includes a 114km-long artificial river and the world’s largest water treatment plant, where VSDs and soft-starters are playing a key role. The El Daba water treatment plant, a key element in the New Delta Project, is claimed to be the world’s largest
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