Economy

Safi's Seawater Solution: Innovative Desalination Plant Tackles Water Scarcity

Tuesday 27 August 2024 - 12:45

The coastal city of Safi, Morocco, is witnessing a significant transformation in its water management strategy with the launch of a cutting-edge seawater desalination plant. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the OCP Group through its subsidiary OCP Green Water, is set to revolutionize water supply in the region, addressing chronic shortages exacerbated by prolonged droughts affecting the Oum Er Rbia basin.

Inaugurated in 2022, the Safi desalination plant represents a collaborative effort between OCP and the Ministry of the Interior. Its primary goal is to alleviate the pressing water crisis that has gripped the area. With an impressive annual production capacity of 40 million cubic meters, the facility has been designed to meet both urban and industrial water needs.

The plant's significance for Safi cannot be overstated. Of the total output, 15 million cubic meters are earmarked specifically for the city's consumption. Since August 2023, the facility has gradually begun supplying water to Safi, with plans to fully meet the city's demand by February 2024. Looking ahead, the plant aims to scale up its production to 30 million cubic meters annually for Safi by 2026, while allocating an additional 20 million cubic meters for industrial use in the broader Marrakech-Safi region.

This expansion aligns perfectly with Morocco's broader vision of enhancing regional water security and supporting local industries. The project is a direct response to King Mohammed VI's call for leveraging non-traditional water sources to combat the dual challenges of climate change and water scarcity.

The facility's design incorporates state-of-the-art technology, featuring two main units dedicated to industrial and potable water production. The desalination process involves a series of sophisticated steps, including pre-treatment, filtration, and reverse osmosis, ensuring that the water meets stringent international quality standards.

The project's rapid completion, achieved in less than a year, is a testament to the OCP Group's expertise and its successful collaboration with Moroccan companies. Otmane Abousselham, Head of Operations at OCP Green Water, emphasized the importance of responsible water consumption, urging all stakeholders to use this precious resource judiciously.

With an estimated cost of 2.8 billion dirhams, the Safi desalination plant is not just a technological marvel but also a significant investment in the region's future. It forms a crucial part of Morocco's National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI), reflecting the country's commitment to developing sustainable solutions to its water challenges.

As Morocco continues to grapple with increasing water demands, the success of the Safi plant serves as a blueprint for future projects. The PNAEPI is already supporting the development of additional desalination facilities across the country, signaling a shift towards more resilient and innovative water management strategies.

The Safi desalination plant stands as a beacon of hope in Morocco's fight against water scarcity. By harnessing the power of technology and embracing sustainable practices, the project not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for a more water-secure future. As climate change continues to pose challenges to traditional water sources, initiatives like this will be crucial in ensuring the long-term prosperity and sustainability of regions facing similar environmental pressures.