As a global leader in phosphates and their derivatives, OCP Group is intensifying its efforts to find sustainable solutions to the droughts that have become a persistent issue in Morocco and many African countries.
The goal of increasing the supply of sustainable water for fertilizer production, farmers, and households in Morocco is the focus of a €100 million loan agreement (approximately $108 million) signed with IFC.
OCP, a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based fertilizers, is committed to supporting the construction of a 219-kilometer pipeline and a pumping station to transport desalinated water from OCP’s existing and planned desalination plants in Jorf Lasfar on the Atlantic Ocean to the Group’s production sites in Khouribga, located in central Morocco.
Construction has already begun, and once completed, the pipeline will have an annual capacity of 80 million cubic meters, equivalent to the water in more than 32,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
"This project demonstrates OCP Group’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation. By securing a reliable source of desalinated water, we not only ensure the continued growth of our operations but also provide essential resources to local communities,” said Mostafa Terrab, OCP’s Chairman and CEO, as quoted in the loan announcement.
In response to the water stress Morocco is experiencing, the project will provide OCP with a sustainable and reliable water source while also supplying farmers, businesses, and consumers in the Khouribga area. "Water scarcity is a major obstacle to economic development in Africa. This innovative project by OCP Group shows how businesses can develop solutions to tackle complex development challenges,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC's Managing Director, in the same statement.
As part of OCP Group's water program, implemented by its specialized subsidiary OCP Green Water, the pipeline supports the Group’s goal of supplying 100% unconventional water by the end of 2024. With total investments of $611 million, OCP plans to produce 560 million cubic meters of desalinated water and 60 million cubic meters of treated wastewater annually by the end of 2027.
In terms of sustainability, the project aligns with the kingdom’s efforts and the World Bank Group's strategy in Morocco, which places a strong emphasis on climate issues.
By 2030, the pipeline is expected to be fully powered by renewable energy, enhancing access to sustainable water resources and strengthening resilience to climate shocks.