Amiblu GRP Pipes Power the Jorf Desalination Plant in Morocco

Country

Morocco

City

Jorf Lasfar

Timeline

2022

Application

Desalination

Total Length

7000 m

+

More than 7,000 metres of Flowtite biaxial GRP pipes supplied by Amitech Maroc enable fast-track implementation, energy-efficient operation, and long-term reliability for a 115,000 m³/day modular desalination plant.

Morocco has been facing increasing water stress due to frequent droughts, irregular precipitation, population growth, and rising industrial demand. In 2022, the situation escalated to the point where the Ministry of Water declared a “state of water emergency”. As part of a national strategy to strengthen water security, the country is significantly expanding its desalination capacity, aiming to supply 50% of its drinking water through desalination by 2030.

A key initiative within this program is the modular Jorf desalination plant, designed to rapidly provide potable water to approximately 300,000 residents in El Jadida and surrounding areas, while also supplying filtered desalinated water to the OCP industrial site in Khouribga. The project required a piping solution capable of meeting strict technical, environmental, and scheduling demands under challenging coastal conditions.

Amitech Maroc, an affiliate of the Amiblu Group, was selected to deliver the GRP piping system based on the proven performance of Amiblu Flowtite technology. The project specifications demanded exceptional corrosion resistance, high structural strength, long-term durability, and sustainability – criteria where conventional materials such as steel or concrete are often limited in aggressive desalination environments.

For the upstream and downstream connections of the complex water system, Amitech Maroc supplied more than 7,000 metres of biaxial Flowtite GRP pipes ranging from DN 400 to DN 2000. The biaxial reinforcement – in both hoop and axial directions – enables the pipes to withstand pressure end thrust and bending loads, ensuring structural integrity and reliable long-term performance. The inherent corrosion resistance of GRP makes it particularly suited to saline environments, extending service life while minimising maintenance requirements.

Energy efficiency was another decisive factor. The smooth inner liner of Amiblu GRP pipes minimises friction and pressure head losses, significantly reducing energy consumption during water transmission and distribution – a crucial advantage for desalination plants, which are typically energy intensive. This performance supports Morocco’s broader objective of increasing the share of renewable energy to 52% by 2030.

The flexibility of GRP in fittings design further contributed to the project’s success. Unlike traditional concrete systems, GRP allows for the custom production of fittings and components from the same material, precisely tailored to complex system requirements. Combined with the lightweight nature of the pipes and ease of installation, this adaptability enabled rapid project execution. Construction began in September 2022 and, thanks to the modular plant design and efficient installation process, the facility was completed within just six months.

“Our top priority was to expedite the desalination facility’s operational readiness to ensure that people could access drinking water as soon as possible. Due to the modular design of the Jorf plant and the ease of installation of GRP pipes, the project was completed in just six months, offering a capacity of 115,000 m³ per day, ensuring a reliable water supply to the residents in El Jadida,”

said Hicham Sekkat, Sales Manager at Amitech Maroc.

The strong collaboration and product performance were also recognised by the project partner. Rachad Koaik, Project Manager at Jacobs Engineering, stated:

“We thank the entire team for their commitment, efforts, and contribution. It is highly appreciated.”

Today, the Jorf desalination plant operates with a capacity of 115,000 m³ per day, significantly strengthening regional water security. By delivering a corrosion-resistant, energy-efficient, and rapidly installable GRP piping solution, Amiblu has contributed to a climate-resilient infrastructure project that supports both municipal supply and industrial demand.