Morocco Plans $10 Billion Investment to Secure 60% Water Needs by 2030 with Renewable Energy Desalination

Morocco aims to meet 60% of its water needs by 2030 through a $10 billion investment program focused on renewable energy. Prolonged drought since 2017 has decreased groundwater levels, prompting the government to reduce water-intensive crops amid a 4-5% annual increase in drinking water demand due to urban growth and tourism.

Morocco has initiated a significant desalination strategy, currently operating 17 plants with a total capacity of 345 million cubic meters, and has four more under construction, including a major project in Casablanca expected by 2027. To achieve its 2030 goal, Morocco plans to build at least nine additional desalination plants, targeting a total capacity of 1.7 billion cubic meters. The large-scale projects will utilize renewable energy sources, including floating solar panels to minimize reservoir evaporation.