Morocco is investing heavily in desalination to secure water for its cities and agriculture after years of drought. The Casablanca plant, powered by wind energy, will be the continent’s largest, marking a major shift in how the country manages its scarce water resources.
In Sidi Rahal, near Casablanca, construction is underway on what will soon become Africa’s largest desalination plant—a project that signals Morocco’s determination to break its dependence on unpredictable rainfall and secure water for millions of people.
After seven consecutive years of drought left reservoirs at critical lows, the Moroccan government has set an ambitious target: by 2030, 60% of the country’s drinking water should come from the sea, up from just 25% today. This shift is being driven by a network of new desalination plants and a parallel investment in renewable energy, aiming to protect both urban supply and agricultural production.
Strategic Shift in Water Policy
Morocco’s new water strategy is designed to prioritize coastal cities for desalinated water, freeing up more reservoir and groundwater resources for inland communities and farmers. Years of overreliance on underground aquifers and surface reserves have made this transition urgent. According to Water Minister Nizar Baraka, the country already operates 17 desalination plants, with four more under construction. By the end of the decade, Morocco expects to reach a desalination capacity of 1.7 billion cubic meters per year.
Recent rains have brought some relief, raising reservoir levels to 46% and officially ending the prolonged drought, as reported by Reuters in early 2026. Yet, the government is pressing ahead with its desalination agenda, viewing it as a structural solution rather than a temporary fix.
Casablanca’s Mega Plant: Scale and Innovation
The centerpiece of this transformation is the Casablanca desalination plant, located in the Greater Casablanca area. Once operational, it will deliver 300 million cubic meters of water annually—enough to supply 7.5 million people and support local agriculture. The project is being developed by the Al Baidaa Desalination Company, a consortium including ACCIONA, Green of Africa, and AfriquiaGaz, with an investment of 6.5 billion Moroccan dirhams (about 613 million euros).
Of the plant’s output, 250 million cubic meters will be allocated for drinking water, while up to 50 million will support regional farming. The facility will use advanced reverse osmosis technology and be powered primarily by wind energy from the Bir Anzarane wind farm, helping to contain both costs and environmental impact. ACCIONA estimates the plant’s daily capacity will reach 838,000 cubic meters at full operation.
Challenges: Cost and Environmental Impact
Desalination offers a reliable source of water, but it comes with significant challenges. High energy consumption and the management of brine byproducts require careful oversight to avoid harming marine ecosystems. Morocco’s decision to link new plants to renewable energy sources is intended to address both the financial and environmental costs of large-scale desalination.
Alongside new plants, Morocco is building major water transfer pipelines—so-called “water highways”—to move resources from surplus regions to those facing acute shortages. This broader strategy also includes new dams and restrictions on water-intensive crops in arid zones, reflecting a comprehensive approach to water security.
Regional Context and Broader Implications
Morocco’s pivot to desalination stands out in North Africa, where water scarcity is a growing concern. The country’s approach combines technological investment with policy reforms, aiming to shield urban life and agriculture from the volatility of climate change. As noted in a recent report on agricultural innovation, such as the revival of historic tomato varieties in Spain’s Palencia region, the resilience of food systems often depends on adapting to environmental pressures.
Ultimately, Morocco’s success will hinge on the long-term viability of its new infrastructure and its ability to balance economic, social, and environmental priorities. The Casablanca plant is a bold step, but the country’s water future will be shaped by how these investments perform in the years ahead.
