Introduction to the El Menzel Project
The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has recently announced an international tender for the construction of a new Pumped Energy Storage Station (STEP) named El Menzel, located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Sefrou in the Fès-Meknès region. This ambitious project is designed to have an impressive capacity of 362 megawatts (MW) and is part of Morocco's broader strategy to enhance energy storage capabilities amidst the rising demand for renewable energy sources.
The Importance of Energy Storage
In a context where renewable energy is gaining traction, electricity storage has become a pivotal concern for energy management. Pumped storage systems like the one proposed at El Menzel represent one of the most reliable solutions available. The fundamental operation of these systems involves transferring water between two reservoirs situated at different elevations. This process allows for energy storage during low demand periods and enables rapid energy release during peak consumption times, thereby maintaining balance between supply and demand. Such mechanisms are crucial for enhancing the stability and security of the electricity grid, as highlighted by the ONEE.
The El Menzel project is set to expand the existing portfolio of hydropower storage infrastructure managed by ONEE, complementing operational facilities such as the Afourer STEP (464 MW) and the Abdelmoumen STEP (350 MW), as well as the ongoing Ifahsa project (300 MW). This initiative aims to significantly boost the Kingdom's storage capacity, which is essential for accommodating the large-scale integration of renewable energy and improving the overall flexibility of the national electricity system. The construction of this facility is expected to take about 48 months and will be financed by the Islamic Development Bank. The deadline for submitting bids for the project is set for September 30, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the realization of this strategic infrastructure.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
