CEEC's Commitment to Quality and Compliance in Morocco
The China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), a prominent state-owned enterprise from China, recently conducted a thorough inspection of its two major projects in Morocco: the Al Wahda gas power plant, which boasts a capacity of 990 megawatts, and Lot 9 of the civil engineering works for the high-speed rail line (LGV) connecting Kenitra to Marrakech. This inspection, which took place from October 13 to 18, aimed to ensure adherence to internal regulations, project management efficiency, and contract execution standards. The mission was led by Zhao Jianchang, the Secretary of CEEC's Disciplinary Inspection Commission, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China within the corporation.
During the inspections, Mr. Zhao focused on the compliance and integrity practices associated with CEEC's international operations. The review included an assessment of management procedures, risk management practices, and the implementation of corrective measures mandated by the corporation's leadership. The delegation was composed of representatives from various departments, including the Party Committee's inspection services, the disciplinary commission, the international affairs department, and the group's international branch.
Strategic Projects: Al Wahda Power Plant and High-Speed Rail Developments
On-site, Zhao scrutinized the adherence to contractual commitments, management methodologies, and the business prospects of the involved companies. He emphasized the importance of balancing project timelines with safety protocols, maintaining integrity, and ensuring high-quality standards throughout the work. This inspection was not limited to Morocco; it also included visits to Egypt, where CEEC is involved in the Horus autonomous electric storage project (with a capacity of 525 megawatt-hours) and the construction of a data center known as P1. Meetings were held with CEEC’s entities operating in both countries, reinforcing the call for strict compliance with regulations, safety standards, and contract management protocols.
Among the significant undertakings in Morocco is the Al Wahda power plant, strategically located near the Al Wahda dam in the vicinity of Ouazzane. CEEC is executing this project in partnership with the Japanese motor manufacturer Mitsubishi Power, under a contract that encompasses engineering studies, equipment supply, construction, and commissioning. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is supplying two gas turbines, each rated at 495 megawatts, which are designed to operate efficiently on a mix of natural gas and hydrogen. This plant is projected to contribute approximately 7% to Morocco's electrical grid capacity upon its expected commissioning in 2027, which underscores its strategic importance for the nation's energy landscape.
In addition to the power plant, the second project under inspection, Lot 9 of the LGV, was awarded to China Gezhouba Group, a subsidiary of CEEC specializing in public works. This contract involves the construction of 6.23 kilometers of railway and six bridges between Rabat and Casablanca, with a contractual duration of thirty-three months. The project adheres to both French and Moroccan technical standards and is part of a broader 430-kilometer railway program designed for operational speeds of 320 kilometers per hour. CEEC has heralded this contract as its first high-speed rail construction project overseas, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion efforts.
Among the key challenges of this project is the Nfifikh bridge, which spans 810 meters and is complicated by the site's topography and geology. The bridge will cross a valley with elevation differences exceeding 71 meters, featuring piers that rise to 51 meters in height and a main span of 70 meters. CEEC has outlined the rigorous requirements for this project, including continuous monitoring of concrete temperatures, geometric controls of reinforcements, and close coordination among Chinese teams, the project owner, the National Office of Railways (ONCF), and French project management teams.
Earlier this year, CEEC's management had already visited both sites in the spring, with the group's vice president responsible for safety, Yin Qiang, inspecting the Al Wahda plant and Lot 9 of the LGV from May 20 to 29. His assessment focused on technical risks, management procedures, and adherence to commitments made to the project owners.
As reported by barlamane.com.
