Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) has signed a landmark contract worth $316 million to build a large-scale desalination facility in Basra, Iraq, marking a significant step in the company’s global infrastructure expansion. The project, commissioned by Iraq’s Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works, aims to address the region’s chronic water shortages and improve access to clean drinking water for millions.
The facility will be capable of producing 1,000,000 cubic meters of potable water per day, making it one of the largest desalination plants in the Middle East. It will draw water from the Shatt al-Arab River, treating it through advanced reverse osmosis technology to meet the growing demand in southern Iraq, where water scarcity has become a pressing issue due to climate change, upstream damming, and salinity intrusion.
Hyundai E&C will be responsible for the full scope of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), with the project expected to be completed within 48 months. The company emphasized its commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure while adhering to environmental and safety standards.
This contract not only strengthens Hyundai E&C’s presence in the Middle East but also reflects South Korea’s broader strategic engagement in Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts. The project is part of Iraq’s national plan to modernize its water infrastructure and reduce dependence on aging systems that have struggled to meet demand.
In addition to its technical significance, the project is expected to generate local employment opportunities, stimulate regional economic activity, and serve as a model for future public-private partnerships in Iraq’s utilities sector.
(Source: Korea JoongAng Daily)