A large energy and water programme in Morocco, valued at about 130bn dirhams, is still in the planning phase one year after it was signed.
The 2025 agreement brings together TAQA Morocco, the Moroccan state, Nareva, the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), and the Mohammed VI Investment Fund. It is planned to run until 2030.
The project includes several components. It plans around 1,200 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity, alongside gas power plants to support electricity supply when renewable output is not enough. The aim is to improve reliability while increasing clean energy production.
A key part of the plan is a high-voltage direct current transmission line of about 3,000 megawatts, stretching roughly 2,800 kilometres. It is designed to move electricity between different regions of Morocco and improve grid capacity.
On the water side, the project includes desalination plants with an initial capacity of up to 900 million cubic metres per year, with the possibility of doubling later. It also includes a water transfer system of about 1.2 billion cubic metres per year to supply areas facing shortages.
The system is designed to link energy and water infrastructure. Electricity from new power plants is expected to run desalination facilities, while the transmission network will support national power distribution.
The programme is still at the design and coordination stage. No infrastructure linked directly to the agreement is operating yet. Work so far has focused on planning and technical preparation, while TAQA Morocco’s current results come from other projects.
The programme is being developed over a long timeline, with construction expected in phases up to 2030.
The desalination plan is intended to help address water shortages by increasing supply. Using renewable energy to power these plants is expected to reduce operating costs.
The planned transmission line is meant to carry renewable energy from southern regions to major demand centres such as Casablanca and Tangier.
Gas-fired plants are included to support the electricity system when wind and solar production falls, helping maintain stability as renewable capacity increases.
The main challenge now is moving from planning to construction as demand for energy and water continues to grow.
