A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Morocco’s government and OCP group signed on July 5, aiming to provide the cities of Safi, El Jadida, and neighboring regions with drinkable water using seawater desalination, has entered into effect.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Logistics and Water, operations in the Safi seawater desalination plant have commenced.
The plan has an ambitious aim of producing approximately 10 million cubic meters of drinking water in the year 2023.
“This visionary project, brought to life through the unwavering commitment and collaboration of all involved parties, seeks to ensure a sustainable supply of drinking water in light of the escalating climate changes, which are causing a significant decline in conventional water resources,” the ministry said in the statement.
The agreement grants the right to desalinate seawater to OCP Green Water, with the goal of providing competitively priced drinking water relying on “cutting-edge technologies” and “embracing renewable energy sources, alongside ongoing research and development efforts.”
Concerning the production of water to cater to industrial use, the agreement is designed to secure an annual supply of 35 million cubic meters for industrial use destined for OCP Group.
As Morocco grapples to maintain its water security, the country bolstered investments dedicated to desalination projects in recent years.
Under a comprehensive 2020-2050 plan, the country has committed MAD 383 billion ($37.6 billion) over a 30-year period to bolster national water infrastructures for domestic and agricultural purposes.
The plan also incorporates measures to safeguard water supplies against the looming threat of climate change.
