Morocco Water Desalination Market to Reach $850M by 2033, Driven by Renewable Integration

Introduction

According to Renub Research Latest Report Morocco water desalination market is set for significant growth, projected to increase from US$ 400 million in 2024 to US$ 850 million by 2033, achieving a CAGR of 8.74% from 2025 to 2033. Water scarcity, government investments, renewable energy integration, technological advancements, and the rising demand for sustainable water supplies for urban centers are the primary factors driving this expansion.

The Moroccan government has prioritized desalination to address prolonged droughts, declining groundwater levels, and rising water demand from urban and agricultural populations. Major cities like Casablanca, Agadir, and Safi are seeing large-scale desalination projects, ensuring consistent water supply for residential, industrial, and agricultural applications.

Market Overview

Morocco’s desalination industry has emerged as a vital solution for the country’s water challenges. Desalination allows seawater, brackish water, and other sources to be converted into potable water, enhancing water security and supporting sustainable development goals.

Geographically, Morocco benefits from extensive coastline access and abundant solar and wind resources, enabling renewable-powered desalination operations. Plants increasingly rely on reverse osmosis, which efficiently removes salts and reduces operating costs. Flagship projects like the Agadir desalination plant, one of Africa’s largest, demonstrate Morocco’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology for sustainable water supply.

Public-private partnerships are crucial for financing and constructing desalination infrastructure. These collaborations encourage foreign and domestic investment, foster innovation, and improve operational efficiency. However, high initial capital costs, technical expertise requirements, and equitable water distribution remain significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, Morocco is emerging as a leader in African desalination, with proactive government policies and sustainable practices driving market growth.

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Government Initiatives Driving Growth

The Moroccan government has implemented ambitious programs to tackle water scarcity, most notably the National Programme for Potable Water Supply and Irrigation 2020-2027 (PNAEPI), under the National Water Plan 2020–2050 (PNE). The program aims to diversify water supply sources, enhance water security, and mitigate climate change impacts. In May 2023, government funding for this program was increased to $14.3 billion, emphasizing investment in sustainable desalination infrastructure.

A flagship initiative is the Casablanca-Settat saltwater desalination plant, which will provide up to 300 million cubic meters of water annually for approximately 7.5 million residents in Greater Casablanca, Settat, Berrechid, and Bir Jdid. Constructed over a 50-hectare site in Lamharza Essahel near El Jadida, the project is being developed in two phases. Phase one, operational by the end of 2026, will produce 548,000 cubic meters per day, while phase two, scheduled for mid-2028, will expand capacity to 822,000 cubic meters daily.

With a total investment of 143 billion dirhams, the Casablanca-Settat plant is part of Morocco’s larger National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (2020–2027). Designed to operate entirely on renewable energy using reverse osmosis technology, the project represents the nation’s commitment to sustainable development.

Technological Advancements

Technological innovation is key to enhancing desalination efficiency and affordability in Morocco. Reverse osmosis (RO), the most widely used method, has benefited from advancements that reduce energy consumption, improve membrane performance, and extend plant lifespans.

Automation, energy recovery systems, and advanced pre-treatment technologies are simplifying plant operations, reducing maintenance costs, and improving water quality. New projects, including the Casablanca-Settat plant, are leveraging these innovations to balance operational efficiency with affordability and sustainability objectives.

Renewable Energy Integration

Morocco is increasingly powering desalination plants using renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. This integration lowers operational costs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and aligns water production with national climate goals.

Projects like Agadir’s solar-powered desalination plant illustrate how renewable energy can drive large-scale, sustainable water production. By combining renewable energy and desalination, Morocco enhances water and energy security, ensuring reliable supply in regions prone to scarcity.

Challenges in the Market

High Capital and Operational Costs

Desalination requires significant upfront investment, especially for large-scale RO or advanced distillation plants. Operational costs, including energy and maintenance, can further constrain profitability and affordability, particularly in remote areas or small municipalities.

Technical Expertise

Specialized skills are needed to operate and maintain desalination plants efficiently. A shortage of trained professionals may delay project timelines or reduce operational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of knowledge transfer and workforce training.

Equitable Access to Water

Ensuring fair distribution of desalinated water remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure. Policymakers must balance urban and agricultural needs to maximize social and economic benefits.

Regional Market Insights

East Morocco

The eastern region of Morocco is seeing rapid expansion in seawater desalination infrastructure to address population pressures and climate change-induced water shortages. The Nador desalination plant, operational from February 2025, has an annual capacity of 250 million cubic meters, serving both urban and agricultural demands.

An agreement with China’s Lipu Industry will further expand capacity by 548,000 tons per day, contributing to Morocco’s goal of achieving 1.5 billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2030.

West Morocco

Western Morocco is benefiting from projects like the Casablanca and Safi desalination plants. Casablanca’s plant, when fully operational by 2028, will provide up to 300 million cubic meters annually for over 7.5 million residents. Safi’s plant, still under construction, will have a daily capacity of 86,400 cubic meters. These initiatives aim to incorporate renewable energy, reduce costs, and expand sustainable water access across the region.

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Market Segmentation

By Technology

Reverse Osmosis

Multi-stage Flash (MSF) Distillation

Multi-effect (MED) Distillation

Others

By Application

Municipal

Industrial

Others

By Water Source

Seawater

Brackish Water

River Water

Others

By Region

East Morocco

West Morocco

North Morocco

South Morocco

Key Players and Company Analysis

Leading companies in Morocco’s desalination sector are investing in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable operations. Notable players include:

International Development Enterprises (iDE)

DowDuPont

Doosan Group

Ovivo

Aquatech

Veolia

Guangzhou KangYang Seawater Desalination Equipment Co.

Each company has been analyzed from multiple viewpoints, including overview, key personnel, recent developments, and revenue analysis. Their strategies focus on leveraging advanced desalination technologies, integrating renewable energy, and participating in public-private partnerships to meet Morocco’s growing water demand.

Conclusion

The Morocco water desalination market is positioned for robust growth, underpinned by government initiatives, technological advancements, and renewable energy integration. Strategic investments, including the Casablanca-Settat and Agadir projects, demonstrate Morocco’s commitment to sustainable and efficient water solutions.

Despite challenges such as high capital costs, technical expertise requirements, and equitable water distribution, Morocco continues to emerge as a leader in African desalination development. The market is expected to reach US$ 850 million by 2033, supporting both municipal and industrial water needs while promoting long-term sustainability.

By combining advanced technology, renewable energy, and strategic government programs, Morocco is setting a model for addressing water scarcity while supporting socio-economic growth and environmental stewardship.

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