Energy Recovery, a prominent U.S.-based provider of energy recovery devices for the refrigeration, water, and industrial markets, has secured $27.5 million in contracts for desalination projects in Morocco. These projects, slated for completion by the end of 2024, are part of Morocco's intensified efforts to combat the severe water crisis plaguing North Africa.

Morocco's Water Crisis and Desalination Efforts

Morocco, like much of North Africa, is facing a significant water scarcity issue, with prolonged droughts reducing reservoir levels to a critical 25%. In response, the country is rapidly advancing its desalination infrastructure, with a goal to source 50% of its drinking water from desalination by 2030. The new desalination plants being developed under these contracts are expected to produce over a million cubic meters of potable water daily. This will provide relief to more than 600,000 people across Morocco, with over half of the water being allocated to agriculture, a sector heavily impacted by the drought.

Energy Recovery's Role and Impact

Rodney Clemente, Senior Vice President of Water Recovery at Energy Recovery, underscored the importance of desalination for regions like North Africa, stating, "Desalination is the only drought-resistant source of water. It's essential for regions such as North Africa to invest in a diverse range of treatment technologies, including high-efficiency SWRO, to ensure a reliable supply of fresh water."

These projects include one of the largest desalination undertakings in North Africa, designed to help bridge the gap between Morocco’s current water supply and its growing freshwater needs. Energy Recovery's pressure exchangers, which reduce energy consumption by up to 60%, are crucial to the sustainability of these projects. Once operational, the plants are expected to prevent the emission of over 475,000 tons of carbon annually, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability.

National Initiatives to Enhance Water Supply

In a related effort, Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has launched a major project to secure and enhance the water supply for the city of Guercif and surrounding areas. This initiative is part of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program 2020-2027 and involves utilizing surface water from the Oued Zobzit river.

The Guercif project, with an estimated cost of MAD 470 million ($47 million), is being financed by ONEE with support from the African Development Bank (AFDB). This large-scale initiative further demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to addressing its water scarcity challenges through comprehensive and sustainable solutions.