A Water and Energy Nexus as a Catalyst for Middle East Peace

Abstract

Regional trade agreements in Europe over coal and steel served as the foundation for both
larger regional integration and regional stability. A water-energy nexus could provide a similar
foundation for a more peaceful and more sustainable Levant region. The Levant is among the
most water stressed regions in the world, but it is bountiful in solar energy potential.
Technological innovation coupled with transboundary cooperation could provide the solution to
the region’s growing water and associated energy demand, as well as contribute to regional
stabilization. This paper explores the rational for the creation of a proposed water-renewable
energy community based on interdependence among Israel, Jordan, and Palestine, where much
needed water is produced through desalination on the Israeli and Palestinian Mediterranean
coasts and additional electricity needs are met by extensive investment in solar renewable
energy in Jordan’s eastern deserts.