Maroc veolia rabet desalination project discussions

Veolia and the Moroccan government have reignited talks over a major water desalination project in Rabat, with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic meters. The French conglomerate’s involvement is backed by the Elysée Palace, bringing the contentious issue back to the forefront after several months of stagnation.

The project aims to produce 822,000 cubic meters of potable water per day using renewable energy sources. Negotiations are focused on setting a target price for desalinated water, with both parties seeking a price point of 4.5 dirhams per cubic meter.

‘After several months of pause, Rabat and Paris have gradually re-engaged in dialogue over the construction of this station in Morocco’s capital city,’ said a source. ‘The talks were not halted by a unilateral decision but stalled due to disagreements on financial factors and climate considerations.’

A memorandum of understanding was signed in October 2024 during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, outlining the project’s construction.

The Rabat desalination plant will be developed within a public-private partnership framework. Veolia will handle design, financing, construction, and operation for the next 35 years.

The facility will supply water to approximately 9.3 million people in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions, meeting their water needs on an annual basis of 300 million cubic meters.

These developments come a week after the Rabat meeting of the Morocco-France Mixed High Commission, co-chaired by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Moroccan Government Head Aziz Akhannouch.

In parallel, Morocco’s desalination market continues to attract major international players. Spanish groups Acciona and Cox are competing for a contract to build the Tanger desalination plant, with its expected completion date set for 2028-2029. The facility is projected to produce 150 million cubic meters of water annually.