The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €200 million loan to OCP Group, a leading chemical manufacturing company, to finance the construction of two seawater desalination plants in Morocco. The facilities will be located in the industrial areas of El Jadida and Safi, aiming to address the critical issue of water scarcity in the region.

Morocco faces significant water stress, with annual water availability per capita standing at just 790 cubic meters. In cities like El Jadida and Safi, water demand exceeds 80% of the region’s available freshwater supply. The desalination plants, with a combined capacity of 35 million cubic meters, will support the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, essential for global food security. Simultaneously, the facilities will reduce OCP Group’s reliance on freshwater for its water-intensive industrial processes, contributing to enhanced water security.

The investment is part of OCP Group’s Green Investment Program, which seeks to lower Morocco’s annual water consumption by 3 million cubic meters. It also aligns with the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition Strategy 2021-2025, emphasizing sustainable industrial practices.

“We are pleased to support OCP Group’s Green Investment Program and its drive towards sustainable industrial operations,” stated EBRD President Odile Renaud Basso. “This financing not only underscores EBRD’s commitment to addressing critical issues like water scarcity but also aligns with our broader mission to foster sustainable industrial solutions.”

By developing these desalination plants, OCP Group is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and supporting Morocco’s long-term water security goals.