The French multinational Veolia and Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior have reignited negotiations for the ambitious Rabat desalination plant project, designed to deliver 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Backed by the Élysée, this initiative has resurfaced as a priority after months of stalled progress, reflecting renewed commitment from both sides.
The facility aims to generate 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, powered entirely by renewable energy sources. Central to the ongoing discussions is the pricing structure for desalinated water, with both parties targeting a final rate of 4.5 Moroccan dirhams per cubic meter—a critical factor in securing the project’s financial viability.
After a prolonged pause, Moroccan and French officials have resumed talks on constructing the plant in the capital. While negotiations never ceased entirely, logistical and financial discrepancies, compounded by environmental considerations, had previously slowed progress.
A memorandum of understanding was formalized in October 2024 during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, outlining the framework for this public-private partnership.
Located along the Atlantic coast near Rabat, the plant will operate under a 35-year contract, with Veolia overseeing design, funding, construction, and long-term management. Once operational, the facility will supply water to the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions, meeting the demands of approximately 9.3 million residents.
These developments follow the recent High-Level Mixed Commission meeting in Rabat, co-chaired by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s desalination sector remains a hotspot for international investment. Spanish firms Acciona and Cox are competing to build the future Tanger desalination plant, slated for completion between 2028 and 2029, with an expected output of 150 million cubic meters per year.
