To address the water crisis and demographic pressures, Morocco is making seawater desalination a central focus of its strategy. According to Renub Research, the national desalination market is expected to grow from $400 million in 2024 to $850 million by 2033, marking a 112% increase with an average annual growth rate of 8.74%. This development underscores the priority given to water security in the context of prolonged droughts, declining groundwater levels, and rising demands for potable water for cities and agriculture.
Desalination is integrated into the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (2020-2027), featuring several key projects. By 2030, Morocco aims for a total capacity of 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water per year. Among the major initiatives, the future Casablanca-Settat station is expected to produce up to 300 million cubic meters annually for nearly 7.5 million residents. The Nador unit in the Oriental region will provide 250 million cubic meters per year, while the Safi station will reach a daily capacity of 86,400 cubic meters.
Reverse osmosis remains the key technology, with innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption and optimizing membrane performance. The integration of renewable energy sources, both solar and wind, is also among the strategic priorities to minimize costs and align production with climate commitments. The Agadir station is frequently cited as an example of sustainable large-scale desalination.
Despite these advances, challenges remain: high infrastructure costs, technical complexity, and the need for equitable distribution across the territory. Public-private partnerships are considered essential to fund these megaprojects.
By investing in advanced and sustainable technologies, Morocco is reinforcing its position as a leading African nation in desalination, ensuring access to water for future generations while enhancing resilience against climate risks.