Major water project in Rabat gains new momentum
French water management giant Veolia and Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior have reignited discussions on the ambitious Rabat desalination plant project. The facility, designed to produce 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually, has recently moved back to the forefront of bilateral negotiations after months of stalled progress.
The proposed plant will generate 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily through renewable energy sources. Central to the current talks is the pricing structure, with both sides aiming to finalize a target rate of 4.5 Moroccan dirhams per cubic meter of desalinated water.
Following a period of limited activity, authorities in Rabat and Paris have resumed dialogue regarding the construction of this critical infrastructure. Rather than being halted by a unilateral decision, discussions had slowed due to financial considerations and environmental factors affecting project viability.
A cooperation agreement was formalized in October 2024 during a state visit by the French President, outlining the framework for this public-private partnership.
Located along the Atlantic coast near Morocco’s capital, the facility will operate under a 35-year concession agreement. Veolia will oversee all phases from design and financing through construction and long-term operation.
The plant’s output will primarily serve the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions, providing water security for approximately 9.3 million residents across these areas.
Diplomatic momentum builds around water infrastructure
These developments follow a recent high-level meeting in Rabat of the Morocco-France High Joint Commission, co-chaired by the French Prime Minister and Morocco’s head of government.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s desalination market continues to draw international investors, with Spanish firms Acciona and Cox competing for the contract to build the future Tanger desalination plant. Scheduled for completion between 2028-2029, this facility will add 150 million cubic meters of annual water production capacity.
