French multinational Veolia and Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior have reignited negotiations for the strategic Rabat desalination plant project, designed to produce 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Backed by the Élysée, this initiative is back under the spotlight following months of stalled discussions, according to insiders close to the matter.
Renewed momentum after delays
The project aims to generate 822,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily, powered entirely by renewable energy sources. The primary sticking point remains the cost of desalinated water, with both sides aiming to finalize a target price of 4.5 Moroccan dirhams per cubic meter.
«After a prolonged pause, Moroccan and French officials are gradually resuming talks to advance construction of this critical water infrastructure in Rabat,» shared a source familiar with the developments. The impasse stemmed not from unilateral decisions but from financial discrepancies and climate-related challenges that temporarily sidelined progress.
Landmark agreement and long-term vision
A memorandum of understanding was inked in October 2024 during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, outlining the framework for this desalination facility.
Located along the Atlantic coast near Rabat, the plant will operate under a public-private partnership model. Veolia will oversee every phase—design, financing, construction, and operation—for a 35-year term.
Once operational, the facility will deliver 822,000 cubic meters of potable water daily, or 300 million cubic meters annually, supplying the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions. This capacity is set to meet the needs of approximately 9.3 million residents, as outlined by Veolia in an official statement.
Diplomatic and industrial context
These discussions follow a high-level meeting in Rabat between the Morocco-France High Joint Commission, co-chaired by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
The Moroccan desalination market continues to draw major international players. Spanish firms Acciona and Cox are currently vying for the contract to build the future Tanger desalination plant, slated for completion between 2028 and 2029, with an expected output of 150 million cubic meters annually.
