Rabat desalination plant: Veolia and Morocco resume talks

The French multinational Veolia and Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior have reignited discussions on the Rabat desalination plant, a strategic project with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic meters. This initiative, backed by the Elysee Palace, has resurfaced as a key agenda item after months of stalled negotiations.

The proposed facility aims to produce 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, leveraging renewable energy sources. A primary sticking point remains the cost of desalinated water, with both sides aiming to settle on a target price of 4.5 Moroccan dirhams per cubic meter.

Progressive re-engagement between Rabat and Paris follows a period of limited dialogue. While no unilateral decisions derailed the talks, financial disagreements and climate-related factors contributed to the temporary slowdown. A memorandum of understanding was signed in October 2024 during a state visit by the French president, outlining the framework for the plant’s construction.

The project, located on the Atlantic coast near Rabat, will operate under a public-private partnership. Veolia will oversee the design, financing, construction, and operation of the facility for a 35-year term.

Once operational, the plant—with a daily output of 822,000 cubic meters of potable water—will supply the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions, meeting the water needs of approximately 9.3 million people, as previously stated by the company.

These developments follow a recent meeting of the Morocco-France High Joint Commission in Rabat, co-chaired by the French Prime Minister and Morocco’s Head of Government.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s desalination market continues to draw international interest. Spanish firms Acciona and Cox are competing for the contract to build the future Tanger desalination plant, slated for completion between 2028 and 2029, with an expected annual production of 150 million cubic meters.