Morocco is⁣ aggressively pursuing a strategy centered on desalination and water ⁤conservation‍ technologies to safeguard its water⁤ supply ‍amidst intensifying climate change and prolonged drought ⁣conditions.This proactive approach is considered essential for ensuring long-term water security for both urban and agricultural needs.

Desalination Capacity to Surge by 2030

The nation aims to produce 1.7 ‍billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2030. This ambitious goal will be achieved through currently-under-construction facilities and new projects slated‍ for tender starting ⁣next year, as discussed at ‍the recent World Water Congress in Marrakech.

A cornerstone of this expansion ⁣is a major desalination project near Tiznit, located 615 kilometers south of Rabat. Estimated at nearly 10 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately $1 billion USD), the ⁣Tiznit ⁤plant will have a capacity of 350 million cubic meters per year. This output will serve multiple urban centers and ‍crucially, ⁤support the strategically significant agricultural region surrounding it.

Combating Evaporation with Floating Solar Technology

Recognizing the ‍significant water loss due to evaporation – estimated at around 30% of Morocco’s surface water – the government is piloting innovative solutions. ‍ Floating solar panel installations on dams are being implemented to directly reduce evaporation rates, offering a dual benefit of renewable energy generation and water conservation.