The Dakhla Desalination Plant: Water for a Growing South

A Public-Private Water Project

The plant is being developed by the Dakhla Water and Energy Company, a joint venture between the French group Engie's International Power and the Moroccan group Nareva, part of Al Mada. The partners are contracted to build and operate the facility for around two decades.

Reported as roughly three-quarters complete in 2025, the integrated project is on track to begin operations around mid-2026.

Capacity and Use

The plant is designed to produce about 37 million cubic metres of water per year, equivalent to around 100,000 cubic metres per day. The bulk of that water, roughly 30 million cubic metres, is earmarked for agricultural irrigation.

The remainder, about 7 million cubic metres, will reinforce drinking-water supply for the city of Dakhla, easing pressure on existing resources in a fast-growing area.

Powered by the Wind

A distinctive feature of the project is its energy source. A wind farm of around 60 megawatts is being built to power the desalination process, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Pairing desalination with renewable energy lowers operating costs and emissions, and serves as a model for sustainable water production in arid coastal regions.

Boosting Agriculture

Desalinated water is set to irrigate thousands of hectares of newly developed farmland around Dakhla, supporting the production of early-season vegetables for domestic and export markets.

Authorities estimate this could yield hundreds of thousands of tonnes of produce and generate significant added value, helping diversify the local economy beyond fishing.

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