Morocco's seawater desalination move against the water crisis
Fighting drought and declining rainfall, the North African country is implementing a comprehensive strategy to transform its water infrastructure.
Experiencing a water crisis due to successive periods of drought and falling dam levels, Morocco plans to use the Atlantic Ocean to meet the drinking water needs of millions of citizens.
Combating drought and water crisis
Due to the drought continuing for over six consecutive years, occupancy rates in dams have dropped and agricultural production has been severely disrupted. Feeling the effects of the climate crisis intensely, the country wants to reduce its dependence on rainwater.
Ocean water target for 2030
The Rabat administration aims to meet a large portion of the country's drinking water directly from the ocean by 2030. In this context, it is planned that 20 million people, corresponding to 60 percent of the nation of 39 million, will consume desalinated sea water.
Massive 14 billion dollar infrastructure project
The 14 billion dollar mega-project that will transform the country's water infrastructure includes new dams, wastewater recycling facilities, and pipeline networks called water highways.
Africa's largest desalination plant
The most critical pillar of the strategy is Africa's largest seawater desalination plant under construction south of Casablanca. Operating entirely on clean energy, the facility will produce approximately 300 million cubic meters of drinking water annually.