Northeast Brazil Leads in Desalination Projects Amid Regulatory Challenges

A study by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) reveals that Brazil's Northeast region is at the forefront of desalination projects, housing the most operationally mature systems and structured public investments. However, a lack of specific regulatory frameworks hampers industrial expansion. The region awaits South America's first large-scale desalination plant in Fortaleza (CE), while notable projects include a $22 million reverse osmosis plant in Fernando de Noronha (PE) and an $8 million project for Indigenous communities in Rio Grande do Norte.

Published Mar 22, 2026

According to the CNI study, the Northeast is the most advanced region in Brazil for desalination, featuring both small community systems and the country’s largest desalination plant for human supply. The region is awaiting the first large-scale desalination plant for urban use in South America in Fortaleza (CE).

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Key obstacles for expansion include the absence of specific regulatory frameworks. Noteworthy projects include a $22 million reverse osmosis plant in Fernando de Noronha (PE), which eliminated water rationing, and an $8 million project in Rio Grande do Norte that provides potable water to Indigenous communities. The CNI recommends creating regulatory norms and enhancing financing options to support the technology's growth.