Veolia and the Kingdom of Morocco have entered a landmark partnership to address the nation’s urgent water crisis by developing Africa’s largest seawater desalination project and the world’s second largest. Situated near Rabat along Morocco's Atlantic coast, the project aims to boost water supply to regions severely affected by persistent drought conditions. This ambitious project, structured as a public-private partnership, will involve Veolia's oversight in construction, financing, and operation for the next 35 years.
The planned desalination plant, with a daily capacity of 822,000 cubic meters or roughly 300 million cubic meters annually, will be vital for sustaining the water needs of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions. It is projected to support nearly 9.3 million residents, ensuring a steady drinking water supply amid Morocco's worst drought in 40 years. Declining rainfall and dwindling reservoir levels have put Morocco's agriculture, drinking water supplies, and economy under significant strain, making desalination a crucial component of the nation’s response to these challenges.
This initiative aligns with Morocco's national energy strategy, championed by King Mohammed VI, which seeks to bolster the nation’s water security and resilience in the face of climate change. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, expressed the company's commitment to the project, stating, "With a long history of partnership, we are thrilled and honoured to write this new page with the Kingdom of Morocco and Moroccan citizens to meet the challenges related to the environment and water. We are fully aware of the urgency of the situation and proud to contribute to this major project, which will strengthen the country's water resilience. We will put the best of our international expertise and our long-standing presence in the region at the service of the Kingdom for a reference project in terms of performance and sustainability."
As Morocco experiences unprecedented water stress, this strategic venture between Veolia and the Kingdom of Morocco underscores a critical shift towards sustainable water management solutions to safeguard the country’s future.
