Morocco, Veolia sign MoU to develop desalination project

RABAT - Morocco and Veolia signed a memorandum of understanding to exclusively develop a desalination project that would be the largest in Africa and second-largest in the world, the energy group said on Tuesday.

The plant, to be located near Rabat, would be constructed, financed and operated by Veolia for 35 years and would be intended to cover the water consumption needs of 9.3 million people, the group said in a statement.

The announcement comes during a visit to Morocco by French President Emmanuel Macron, as the two countries sign a series of business agreements marking improved political links. That includes a partnership between French energy firm Engie and Moroccan phosphates and fertilizer giant OCP to build renewable energy and green hydrogen plants, plus a desalination plant for agricultural uses in the country's south.