16 April 2012

Morocco: Gradually Getting the Energy Supply Mix

By Greenicles Admin
Morocco is making proactive moves in ensuring energy security for its people. The country is one of many countries in the world that are very dependent on energy imports. In its new ambition, Morocco is capitalizing on its vast wind resources and sunlight. Morocco has the second highest wind capacity in Africa after Egypt. The government there is looking to exploit plausible renewable energy options to power parts of the country.

Details of a sealed deal with EDF Energy confirm that 50 wind turbines will be constructed in the Northern region to generate 150MW. The long term plan is to be able to produce 4000MW of electricity by 2020. This will meet nearly half of the nation's total energy consumption. It has also been agreed that 30% of the construction work will be subcontracted to indigenous companies. The next phase will commence later in the year with the commissioning of another set of wind turbines to generate 850MW of power.

Also on the radar are 5 phases of a mega-solar energy project in Morocco's southern province of Ouartzazate which will cost about $9 billon to be commissioned by 2020. 

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