The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a €200 million loan to OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate fertilizers, to enhance water security by developing new desalination facilities in Morocco.
This EBRD funding will support the construction of two seawater desalination plants at OCP Group’s major industrial sites in El Jadida (Jorf Lasfar) and Safi. With a combined capacity of about 35 million m³, these facilities will aid in producing fertilizers vital for global food security, helping OCP Group meet the rising demand for sustainable agricultural practices.
Morocco faces considerable water stress, with an annual per capita water availability of only 790 m³—below the 1,000 m³ threshold that indicates chronic water scarcity. The cities of El Jadida and Safi are situated in a severely stressed catchment area, where water demand surpasses 80% of the available freshwater supply.
The new desalination plants in El Jadida and Safi will allow OCP Group to decrease its reliance on freshwater for its water-intensive production processes. This transition is particularly important as the region grapples with increasing drought conditions, enabling OCP Group to promote more sustainable water management in a heavily strained environment.
Additionally, these facilities will enhance water security in Morocco by supplying desalinated water for industrial use while conserving natural freshwater resources for local drinking water needs.
This initiative is in line with the EBRD’s Strategy for Morocco and its Green Economy Transition Approach for 2021-2025.
“We are proud to support OCP Group’s Green Investment Programme and its commitment to sustainable industrial practices. This financing highlights EBRD’s dedication to tackling critical challenges like water scarcity and aligns with our broader mission to promote sustainable industrial solutions. Our partnership with OCP Group reflects our mutual commitment to advancing its ambitious investment programme. We look forward to deepening this impactful collaboration and supporting Morocco’s path toward a sustainable future,” stated Odile Renaud Basso, President of the EBRD.
OCP Group aims to minimize its water footprint by reducing annual water consumption by 3 million m³ and sourcing all its water from non-conventional sources.
“We are excited to collaborate with the EBRD to enhance sustainable water management in our operations. This partnership underscores our commitment to combating water scarcity and fostering resilience in Morocco and beyond. Sustainability is central to our mission, and together with the EBRD, we are advancing environmentally responsible solutions,” said Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group.
As a founding member of the EBRD, Morocco has benefited from the Bank’s resources since 2012, with the EBRD having invested over €4.7 billion in 105 projects across the country to date.
Source :European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
