Morocco is on the verge of launching its inaugural offshore wind farm project, marking a significant milestone in the nation's renewable energy journey. The European Investment Bank has commissioned an international coalition led by the renewable energy consultancy firm OWC to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for this ambitious initiative, which will be situated along the Atlantic coast near the city of Essaouira. This effort is supported by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN).
The feasibility study is expected to take two years and will be financed by the FEMIP (Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership) trust fund. It will encompass a detailed assessment of the project's location, as well as an evaluation of its technical, environmental, and economic readiness. Key elements of the study include measuring wind speeds, developing the preliminary design of the wind farm, and determining the infrastructure requirements related to ports and logistical operations. Additionally, the study will explore mechanisms for connecting the project and integrating its output into the national electricity grid.
The coalition responsible for the feasibility study incorporates both international and Moroccan expertise, featuring specialized companies such as PHENIXA, Gaïa Terre Bleue, NOVEC, and SOFECO, alongside OWC teams from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Hakim Muslim, OWC's regional director, characterized the project as a "landmark station" in Morocco and Africa's energy transition, emphasizing the coalition's commitment to providing the necessary technical and logistical support to MASEN and the European Investment Bank to ensure the initiative's success.
This project aligns with Morocco's strategic direction to capitalize on wind resources, including offshore potential, to diversify electricity production sources and bolster its transition towards clean energy. The anticipated offshore wind farm, located along the Atlantic coast opposite Essaouira, represents a new expansion in the country's utilization of marine renewable energy resources.
The European Investment Bank is backing this project in cooperation with MASEN, which is overseeing the initiative as part of Morocco's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in clean energy. The feasibility study has been entrusted to an international coalition led by OWC, featuring specialized Moroccan and European firms such as PHENIXA, Gaïa Terre Bleue, NOVEC, and SOFECO, along with OWC teams from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The feasibility study will extend over two years and is funded by the FEMIP trust fund, aiming to ascertain the project's readiness to advance to development and implementation phases. This study includes determining the optimal site for the wind farm, measuring wind speeds, assessing technical, environmental, and economic aspects, alongside developing the preliminary design and identifying port and logistical requirements, as well as studying the mechanisms for connecting the project to the national electricity grid.
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As reported by solarabic.com.
