ONEE plans green electricity production from potable water network

This initiative involves conducting a technical and economic feasibility study for energy recovery from residual pressures within potable water production pipelines. The goal is to install hydroelectric turbines at specific points in the network. Currently, potable water transfer often relies on gravity, utilizing potential energy from topographic elevation differences, or pumping when necessary.

In many ONEE Water Branch systems, terrain geomorphology creates significant excess pressures, which are currently dissipated by charge breakers or pressure-reducing valves, resulting in unutilized hydraulic energy. Advances in micro-hydroelectricity now allow this energy to be converted into renewable electricity without compromising water service continuity or safety. This aligns with Morocco's national energy transition strategy and ONEE Water Branch's energy efficiency policy.

The study will identify and quantify the energy potential at ONEE Water Branch facilities with charge-breaking points, evaluate technological options, and define pilot projects. It will cover all installations with energy recovery potential, including high-head gravity pipelines, existing pressure dissipation devices, and inlets to potable water treatment plants. ONEE plans a phased approach, starting with identifying, evaluating, and ranking sites with t