Two main possibilities: nuke and solar.
Desalinization can tolerate running only when spare power is available, which makes it a good fit for solar. Plus, being in a desert in the tropics means there will be lots of sun.
Nuke power likes running steadily. If the nuke plant is providing power to people, then whatever is left over can go to running the desalinization pumps.
The Israealis basically mooted the meaning of meaning of everything in the middle east when they became water independent via water desalination three years ago. They set off an invisible shock wave even more important than the invisible shock waves set off by the theft of NSA spy tools four years ago.
The US big new desalination plant in San Diego costs 2000@acre foot. The desalination plants in Australia cost about 1600@acre foot. The Israelis desalinate for $500@acre foot. The water is sent to Israeli cities for $700@acre foot, cleaned up to brown water standards and sent to their farms and fields for $300-$400@acre foot. Its a clever agriculture subsidy but no matter.
This is a feat of biblical porportions. Israelis water technoligists themselves believe their accomplishment is as significant as the neolithic revolution. (imho this is one of 5 neolithic scale agricultural revolutions at work today.)
The Israeli feat forshadows the day when all deserts in the world will be greened byo water desalination. That’s the big invisible shock wave that has rolled over the middle east. That’s part of the reason that the Saudis have stomped on the salafists.
I actually called Rush Limbaugh about this back in April. You can see the transcript here.
Israel and Singapore are the leaders in this field. However, judging by the battalions of Chinese water scientists that troop through Israel and Singapore—the Chinese will soon be big players.
Desalinated water becomes economic for agriculture via drip irrigation for high end fruit and nut trees and bushes at prices of $400@acre foot. $300@ acre foot is needed for all other vegetables via drip irrigation. Field crops like wheat and corn need water prices $100-$200@acre foot.
imho desalinated water costs will reach $300@acre foot in ten years or less for several reasons including the collapse of energy prices —especially utility scale solar. But also because of new membranes, and new production process.
The USA created the desalination industry back in the 1960’s based on basic research started under president eisenhower. However, like nuclear power —as well as dozens of other industries— the desalination industry went overseas in the 1980’s and 90’s..
The USA provides significant basic research for this industry. But currently is not positioned to enjoy either political or economic benefit from this industry.
The fresh water could be pumped to the rest of Egypt using electricity generated by turbines powered by the water flow in the pipes as it flowed by gravity in the depression.
A small village could be established (every home air-conditioned by cold seawater) where minimally skilled workers could maintain the plastic of the evaporation ponds and in return get water for their crops. No money needed. The amount of water could be allocated by number of hours worked and quality of work.