Morocco has struck major agreements worth about $14 billion with a partnership of Emirati and Moroccan companies to improve its energy and water infrastructure. The transactions, inked on Monday, involve the state-owned National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), the Mohammed VI Public Investment Fund, Taqa Morocco—a subsidiary of UAE-based energy giant Taqa—and Nareva, which is part of Morocco’s royal holding firm Al Mada.
These projects aim to strengthen Morocco’s energy independence and water security. A key component of the program is the construction of a 1,400-kilometre high-voltage transmission line to transport green electricity from Western Sahara to Casablanca. Furthermore, the agreements include the construction of several saltwater desalination units to assist in battling the country’s growing water deficit.
Taqa Morocco claimed the overall investment will be around 130 billion dirhams ($14 billion) by 2030. Morocco is aiming for a 52% share of its electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, up from 38% today. Over the last 15 years, the country has made significant investments in solar and wind energy installations.
As water scarcity worsens, desalination has emerged as a crucial component of Morocco’s long-term water resource plan, notably in urban and agricultural areas.
