With an offshore wind energy potential of 200 gigawatts, Morocco is aiming to use its powerful winds and ideal maritime conditions.
Supported by an EIB grant to boost renewable energy production, the first offshore wind farm is currently under
construction off Essaouira.
Morocco is stepping up its efforts to exploit its significant offshore wind potential and expand its wind power capacity, according to a report in the Spanish media outlet El Economista. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) is leading the development of the country’s offshore wind industry. Building on its expertise, MASEN plans to establish its first offshore wind farm off Essaouira.
Backed by a grant of 20.6 million dirhams (around $2.1 million) from the European Investment Bank (EIB), this initiative represents a major step forward for Morocco in the renewable energy sector.
“To this end, it plans to develop its first offshore wind farm off Essaouira. The entity headed by Nadia Calviño has valued the two-year contract at two million euros,” the Spanish media outlet writes.
According to estimates by the World Bank Group, quoted by the *Offshore WIND* platform, Morocco has an offshore wind energy potential of 200 gigawatts (GW), of which 22 GW are particularly suitable for fixed-bottom turbines. MASEN’s efforts highlight Morocco’s significant offshore wind potential, particularly along its Atlantic coast. Studies show that this region benefits from high wind speeds and favourable maritime conditions for fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines, thanks to its shallow waters.
MN/te/Sf/fss/as/APA