By Kaoutar Lahmadi
Laboratory of innovation in management and engineering for the company (LIMIE), “Higher Institute of Engineering and Business”
Morocco, a country located at the confluence of Europe and Africa, is at a crossroads regarding its economic and environmental development. For several years, the Kingdom has established itself as a leader in the energy transition in Africa, resolutely committing to renewable energies. This commitment has culminated with the launch of major projects in solar, wind and hydro energy.
At the same time, it must face another major challenge: the sustainable management of its water resources. Due to its semi-arid climate and the effects of climate change, freshwater resources are increasingly under threat, jeopardizing agriculture, industry and domestic consumption needs.
In a global context marked by the scarcity of natural resources, particularly water, HM King Mohammed VI has, on several occasions, underlined the urgency of the situation. In various speeches, the sovereign stressed the importance of preserving water, urging citizens and policy makers to act together to avoid a future marked by scarcity.
He notably declared: “It is imperative to act quickly and mobilize all stakeholders to protect our water resources. The scarcity of this vital resource requires us to be creative, adopting innovative and sustainable strategies.”
The link between water protection and renewable energies therefore becomes a crucial subject. How can they contribute to better management of water resources while supporting the economic and social development of the country? This question takes on particular importance in the case of Morocco, where renewable energies could not only meet growing energy needs, but also help secure water resources for future generations.
In this article, we will explore the different synergies between these two areas, as well as Morocco’s initiatives to integrate sustainable energy solutions that contribute to the preservation of water resources.
The challenges of water management in Morocco
Morocco experiences significant water stress, mainly due to its arid and semi-arid climate. Annual precipitation varies considerably from one region to another, with episodes of drought becoming more frequent and intense. Water needs, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, continue to increase due to population and economic growth. The country has several large dams which ensure the management of water reserves and the supply of drinking water, but these infrastructures are insufficient in the face of current challenges.
King Mohammed VI, during his speeches, has often stressed the importance of better management of these resources, calling for rapid and effective measures to avoid a major water crisis. The national water management strategy includes the construction of new dams, the modernization of irrigation systems and, above all, the integration of modern technologies such as renewable energies in water management.
One of the main concerns is the role of agriculture, which consumes around 80% of water resources. Improving irrigation efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels in this sector are priorities. Added to this is the pressure exerted by climate change, which leads to reduced precipitation and increased temperatures, increasing the need for water and reducing the availability of this resource.
Renewable energies: a lever for sustainable water management
Renewable energies offer solutions that can directly contribute to the sustainable management of water resources. Unlike fossil fuels, which require large quantities of water for the production of electricity (in particular for cooling thermal power plants), renewable energies – such as solar and wind – consume very little water. This makes them valuable alternatives in a country where water is a scarce resource.
Morocco has already made considerable progress in the field of renewable energy, in particular with the Noor solar power plant in Ouarzazate, one of the largest in the world. This type of installation not only contributes to the country’s energy independence, but also helps preserve water resources, by replacing water-intensive thermal power plants.
Solar irrigation is another concrete example where renewable energy can play a key role in the management of this valuable resource. Moroccan agriculture relies heavily on irrigation, but the latter is often inefficient and consumes a large amount of water. Solar irrigation uses solar energy to pump water to crops, while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This offers a double benefit: reduced costs for farmers and significant water savings.
Public policies and initiatives in favor of synergies between energy and water
The government has put in place several policies and initiatives to promote the integration of renewable energies in water management. The National Water Plan (PNE) 2020-2050 is one of the main strategies aimed at ensuring sustainable management of water resources.
This plan includes measures to increase the efficiency of water use in the agricultural and industrial sectors, while emphasizing the development of water infrastructure powered by renewable energy sources.
Morocco has also engaged in international partnerships to support these efforts. Organizations such as the World Bank and European institutions have helped finance projects focused on renewable energy and water management.
In addition, training and education programs are put in place to raise awareness among citizens and economic actors of the advantages of renewable energies and the need to preserve water.
Accelerate the movement
Large-scale projects such as the Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate or the Chtouka desalination plant demonstrate the Kingdom’s desire to position itself as a world leader in the ecological transition. These initiatives, which combine the production of clean energy and the preservation of natural resources, constitute models for other countries facing similar problems.
Solar irrigation, for example, represents a key innovation in the agricultural sector, helping to optimize water use while reducing energy costs for farmers. Morocco’s efforts are also part of a broader strategic vision, supported by ambitious public policies such as the National Water Plan and the National Energy Strategy. These are frameworks that make it possible to better coordinate actions between the water and energy sectors, while involving the private sector, civil society and international partners in the implementation of sustainable solutions.
This integrated approach strengthens the country’s resilience to the global challenges of climate change and resource shortages. However, for these initiatives to reach their full potential, additional efforts are required. It is crucial to accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies on a larger scale while increasing citizen awareness of the importance of preserving water and the environment.
Training farmers, investing in research and development as well as mobilizing innovative financing will be decisive elements in guaranteeing the success of this transition.
In addition, international cooperation, particularly with neighboring countries and international organizations, will play an essential role in sharing good practices and attracting investments in sustainable projects.
Ultimately, Morocco shows the path to a balanced development model, where the protection of water resources and the transition to renewable energies are no longer separate objectives, but pillars of a common future. By combining technological innovation, political commitment and environmental responsibility, the Kingdom is laying the foundations for sustainable development that preserves both nature and the well-being of future generations.
The success of this transition will not only be a national victory, but also an inspiring example for the entire international community, demonstrating that concrete solutions exist to respond to the climate and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
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