As Samra WWTP, Jordan

What is it? A 267,000m3/d wastewater treatment plant serving 2.2 million people in Greater Amman, Jordan. The plant was inaugurated in August 2008.

Who is responsible? The Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation is the client. A consortium of Suez Environnement, Infilco Degrémont and Morganti designed and built the plant. 43% of the financing came from a USAID grant. A group of banks led by Arab Bank provided a $60 million loan.

Why is it shortlisted?

• Not many projects can boast a trio of firsts. As Samra was the first project to be procured on a BOT basis in Jordan, and the first public-private partnership for a wastewater treatment facility anywhere in the Middle East. USAID provided $78.1 million of financing, marking the first time that the agency had financed a public-private infrastructure project anywhere in the world.

• The plant replaced Amman's overloaded and inadequate wastewater treatment system, which relied on a system of waste stabilisation ponds. Reuse of treated wastewater is an essential element of the Jordanian water strategy, and treated effluent from the plant will be used for crop irrigation, freeing up potable water supplies for the city.

• The As Samra plant is a shining example of the Jordanian government's commitment to sustainability. The plant is practically self-sufficient in energy: gas turbines powered by biogas, combined with hydraulic turbines installed upstream and downstream, produce 95% of the electricity required to treat the incoming wastewater.