Italian energy company Eni announced on 19 December 2010 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding for development of a social project in El Agheil, Libya, including construction of a desalination plant.
The project includes a significant investment by Eni for the construction of 1,000 residential units with associated infrastructure service and a naval port, as well as the construction of industrial works, including a water desalination plant. Eni will be part of the steering committee and control with the Libyan government, which in turn will drive the implementation of the works.