Morocco and US Partner to Combat Drought with Innovative Desalination Technology
Morocco Turns to Innovative Desalination to Quench Drought
Facing a severe and persistent drought, Morocco is taking bold steps to secure its water future. A new partnership with a US-based company promises to bring cutting-edge desalination technology to the North African nation.
Morocco has signed a $27.5 million deal with Energy Recovery, a US company specializing in energy recovery systems for industrial applications, water cooling, and carbon dioxide. The agreement will see Energy Recovery supply pressure exchanger devices for seawater reverse osmosis desalination plants across Morocco. This move is a key part of Morocco’s strategy to combat the crippling water crisis brought on by years of drought.
Desalination, the process of removing salt from seawater to create freshwater, is becoming an increasingly vital solution for water-stressed regions around the world. The Middle East currently leads the world in desalination capacity, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for roughly 22% of global capacity. However, the technology is energy-intensive and expensive. This is where Energy Recovery’s expertise comes in.
Energy Recovery specializes in pressure exchanger technology, which can significantly reduce the energy consumption of desalination plants. These devices recover energy from the high-pressure brine stream and transfer it back to the system, making the process more efficient and cost-effective. This is particularly important for Morocco, where the cost of energy is a major factor in desalination projects.
This partnership reflects a growing global trend of investing in desalination as a solution to water scarcity. The United Nations estimates that by 2025, nearly 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by absolute water scarcity. As climate change exacerbates drought conditions in many parts of the world, desalination is expected to play an even more critical role in ensuring access to freshwater.
Morocco’s commitment to desalination is evident in its ambitious plans. The country aims to significantly increase its desalination capacity in the coming years, with new plants planned along its coastline. These plants will be crucial in providing a reliable source of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
The success of Morocco’s desalination efforts will depend on a number of factors, including the continued development and deployment of innovative technologies like those offered by Energy Recovery. By embracing such advancements, Morocco is taking a proactive approach to addressing its water challenges and building a more resilient future for its people.
