MOROCCO – The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has initiated a pre-qualification round to construct and operate a substantial 400-MW wind farm complex in the north of Morocco.
The Nassim Nord project comprises the 150-MW Koudia Al Baida in the northern provinces of Fahs Anjra and M’diq-Fnideq.
As stated by MASEN, the project encompasses the construction of the colossal 250-MW Nassim Dar Chaoui, which will be located in Tangier and Tetouan provinces.
Companies are encouraged to submit their bids for the project by June 24. This program’s financing structure aims to foster greater private sector involvement in renewable energy deployment, with Moroccan and international commercial banks participating.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly. By the decade’s end, renewables should constitute at least 52% of its electricity mix.
A vital component of this strategy is the Noor Midelt project, a flagship venture integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, which will be implemented in progressive phases.
In the realm of wind energy, Morocco, alongside South Africa, leads the continent in green energy production.
According to a Global Wind Energy Council report, Morocco’s operational and under-construction wind projects, slated for commissioning by 2023, totaled a remarkable 9 GW by the end of 2020.
Notably, the Koudia Al Baida wind farm near Tangier is poised for expansion, ultimately reaching an impressive 200 MW capacity.
Active engagement by private-sector operators partly fuels this positive trajectory. Industries across Morocco are increasingly meeting their energy needs by installing wind farms, with sectors such as cement and fertilizer production taking the lead.
Significant companies like OCP Group, LafargeHolcim, and Cimat are among the pioneers in this green energy transition initiative.
Xlinks First secures US$14.1M to drive Morocco-UK Power Project
In recent developments, Xlinks First Ltd., a prominent renewable energy firm, has secured a significant US$14.1 million investment from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading infrastructure solutions provider on the continent.
This investment is poised to propel the Morocco-UK Power Project forward, a transformative initiative to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy from Morocco to Britain within the next decade.
The AFC’s investment underscores Morocco’s pivotal role as a renewable energy leader in Africa, highlighting the continent’s potential to contribute significantly to global energy solutions.
The project’s scope encompasses the generation of wind and solar power, complemented by battery storage, to supply a substantial 3.6GW of clean energy, equivalent to meeting 8% of Britain’s current electricity demands, effectively powering 7 million homes.
This energy will be transmitted via 4,000km of HVDC sub-sea cables from southern Morocco to Britain.
Moreover, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs, including skilled positions, and catalyze economic growth by promoting Morocco’s renewable energy industry.
It will foster an integrated renewable energy ecosystem, covering equipment production, transformation, transport, storage, and reconversion.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in the global energy transition, highlighting the project as a testament to the continent’s capacity to support Europe’s shift towards sustainable energy while addressing climate challenges.
James Humfrey, CEO of Xlinks, expressed enthusiasm over AFC’s involvement, citing their expertise in African infrastructure as invaluable to the project’s success.
AFC’s participation adds to a roster of key investors, including TAQA, TotalEnergies, and Octopus Energy. These investors are all committed to supporting Xlinks’ groundbreaking project and advancing sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.
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