Evaluation of the Business Model of Seawater Desalination: A Case Study Agadir, Morocco

Abstract

This article thoroughly examines the economic, environmental, and social model of seawater desalination plants, focusing on their impact. It is based on the case of desalination projects in Agadir, Morocco, conducting general analysis of the economic model.

Seawater desalination plants are vital in arid regions where fresh water is scarce. Using seawater for drinking water raises questions about efficiency, costs, and environmental impact.

The Agadir study allows for a close exploration of these issues by analyzing construction and operational costs, energy performance, and conducting qualitative interviews with stakeholders, including local authorities, private companies, and the local population.

The economic impact is central, with high initial costs that need justification through economic benefits like creating local jobs, generating tax revenue, and achieving cost savings related to potable water.

The environmental impact is critical as desalination requires significant energy. The analysis considers greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for integrating renewable energy sources to reduce the carbon footprint.

The social impact is at the core of the evaluation as these projects affect access to clean water, public health, and local employment.

In summary, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic model of seawater desalination plants, using the Agadir case as an example. It underscores the importance of considering economic, environmental, and social aspects to assess the viability and sustainability of these crucial projects for water security in arid regions.