Reviving Water Supply Initiatives in Morocco
According to a French media outlet, a significant project is underway that aims to produce 822,000 cubic meters of potable water daily through renewable energy sources. Discussions currently focus on the pricing of desalinated water, with both parties striving to agree on a target price of 4.5 dirhams per cubic meter. After several months of stagnation, Rabat and Paris are gradually resuming dialogue concerning the construction of this desalination plant in Morocco's capital. The negotiations were not halted by any unilateral decision but rather slowed down due to financial disagreements and climatic factors, as noted by the same source.
An agreement protocol was signed in October 2024 during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Morocco, which specifically addressed the construction of this desalination facility.
Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Water Solutions
Located along the Atlantic coast near Rabat, the project will be developed under a public-private partnership framework. Veolia, a leading global company in water management, will oversee the design, financing, construction, and operation of the plant for a period of 35 years. With a capacity to produce 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day—equivalent to 300 million cubic meters annually—this facility is set to supply the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès, adequately meeting the water needs of approximately 9.3 million individuals, as indicated by a statement from the French group.
These advancements come just a week after the meeting of the Morocco-France High Joint Commission held in Rabat, co-chaired by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan government chief Aziz Akhannouch. Concurrently, the Moroccan desalination market continues to attract major international players. Two Spanish companies, Acciona and Cox, are competing for the future desalination plant in Tangier, which is expected to commence operations by 2028-2029. This infrastructure is projected to produce 150 million cubic meters of water annually.
As reported by perspectivesmed.com.
