ONEE powers Casablanca desalination plant with major grid upgrade
Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has commissioned new high-voltage electrical infrastructure worth more than MAD 486 million to supply power to the Casablanca-Settat seawater desalination plant, one of the Kingdom’s most strategic water projects.
The newly operational facilities were brought into service on July 19 and form part of the ongoing expansion of Morocco’s national electricity transmission network. The investment is designed to secure the energy supply required for the large-scale desalination facility, which is expected to play a critical role in strengthening water security in the Casablanca-Settat region.
The project includes the construction of a 400 kV to medium-voltage substation located in Lamharza Essahel with a capacity of 300 MVA. It is supported by a double-circuit 400 kV transmission line extending 50 kilometers for each circuit, creating a robust connection between the national grid and the desalination complex.
The commissioning of these facilities reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of reinforcing critical infrastructure as the country faces increasing pressure on water resources. Desalination projects have become a central component of national water policy amid recurring drought conditions and growing demand from urban, industrial, and agricultural users.
By ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply, the new infrastructure will support the continuous operation of the Casablanca-Settat desalination plant. Energy reliability is considered a key requirement for desalination facilities, which consume significant amounts of electricity to convert seawater into potable water.
The investment also forms part of ONEE’s wider program to expand and modernize the national electricity transmission network. The program aims to increase network capacity, strengthen grid security, and improve power quality across the country while supporting large-scale economic and infrastructure projects.
In recent years, Morocco has accelerated investments in strategic infrastructure linked to water, energy, and climate resilience. The development of high-voltage transmission assets is viewed as an essential element in supporting major projects that require substantial and uninterrupted power supplies.
Supporting Morocco’s strategic infrastructure ambitions
With the commissioning of the new 400 kV connection, ONEE is reinforcing the backbone of Morocco’s electricity network while enabling the operation of one of the country’s largest water infrastructure projects. The investment highlights the growing integration of energy and water planning as Morocco continues to expand its capacity to meet future development needs.
