Dakhla desalination plant nears completion as Morocco strengthens water security

Yesterday 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Dakhla desalination plant nears completion as Morocco strengthens water security

Morocco is approaching a significant milestone in its long-term water security strategy as the Dakhla seawater desalination plant enters its final construction phase ahead of commissioning.

Designed to produce approximately 112,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day, the facility will play a central role in supplying drinking water to residents of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region while supporting the growing needs of agriculture and other strategic economic sectors.

The project comes as Morocco continues to confront increasing water scarcity driven by prolonged drought, climate change, demographic growth and expanding economic activity. By diversifying water resources through large-scale desalination, the country aims to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves that have been increasingly affected by water stress.

Beyond strengthening the public water supply, the plant is expected to transform agricultural development across the region. The additional water capacity will enable the irrigation of thousands of hectares of farmland, creating new opportunities for agricultural production, employment and private investment in Morocco's southern provinces.

One of the project's defining features is its reliance on renewable energy. Taking advantage of Dakhla's exceptional wind resources, the desalination facility will be powered by wind energy, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with a process traditionally known for its high energy consumption.

The combination of water infrastructure and clean energy reflects Morocco's broader strategy of integrating climate resilience with sustainable economic growth. By aligning desalination projects with renewable power generation, the Kingdom is seeking to enhance both environmental sustainability and long-term resource security.

Once operational, the Dakhla desalination plant is also expected to strengthen the region's appeal for domestic and international investors. A reliable water supply is considered a critical factor for the expansion of agriculture, agri-food industries, logistics, tourism and industrial processing activities, supporting Dakhla's emergence as a strategic economic hub in southern Morocco.

The project illustrates Morocco's growing commitment to making seawater desalination a cornerstone of its national response to water scarcity while promoting sustainable development across its southern regions.