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Rabat – Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom, and Moroccan company Water & Energy Solutions, joined forces to address the pressing issue of water scarcity.
The agreement was formalized during the second Africa-Russia Economic Summit, which took place in Saint Petersburg on July 27-28.
The accord, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, aims to foster collaboration in desalination, water conditioning, and purification projects.
Kirill Komarov, the Deputy Director-General for Development and International Affairs of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, emphasized the gravity of water scarcity, stressing that overcoming this challenge requires the collective efforts of governments and businesses equipped with the necessary expertise.
The memorandum signed with Water & Energy Solutions looks to enhance collaboration with Morocco, focusing on cutting-edge desalination and water conditioning technologies.
Under the agreement, Rosatom would deploy its advanced solutions to provide sustainable water resources to both the production sector and the region’s population.
On his part, Mohammed Amine Cherkaoui, Chairman of the Board of Water & Energy Solutions, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, underscoring the importance of trust in fostering international partnerships in today’s dynamic world.
Cherkaoui views the memorandum as tangible evidence of Russia’s unwavering commitment to extending assistance and sharing expertise with other nations, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Water scarcity and desalination projects
Desalination projects in Morocco are considered a prime solution to the country’s severe water shortage.
Through a comprehensive 2020-2050 plan, the country has committed MAD 383 billion ($37.6 billion) over a 30-year period to bolster national water infrastructure for domestic and agricultural purposes.
The plan also incorporates measures to safeguard water supplies against the looming threat of climate change.
Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to Morocco’s socio-economic development ambitions.
The nation’s water resources face mounting pressure due to population growth and increased agricultural activities. Agriculture alone accounts for nearly 88% of Morocco’s total water consumption, World Bank data shows.
Morocco also ranks among the countries with the lowest water resources per capita, averaging 645 cubic meters annually in 2015. The figure falls significantly short of the international “water poverty line” of 1000 cubic meters per capita.
In response to these alarming projections, Morocco has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on its water resources.
One notable effort by the Moroccan government involves the commencement of construction on 20 dams with a combined storage capacity of over 5 billion cubic meters. Furthermore, the country plans to inaugurate 1,000 small-sized dams by 2030.
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