The Spanish outlet applauded Morocco’s increasing efforts to tap into its strong offshore wind energy potential in Essaouira city and increase its production capacity.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) has been leading the renewable energy efforts in Morocco. Its experience in the sector will be carried into the agency’s project to develop an offshore wind energy farm off the coast of Essaouira.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has re-issued a tender, first launched in July 2024, for technical assistance in assessing the feasibility of offshore wind farms.
EIB president, Nadia Calviño, has valued the contract at two million euros over two years.
The project will be a significant step forward for Morocco’s goal of sourcing 52% of its energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030.
Estimates from the World Bank Group, cited by the Offshore WIND platform, indicate that Morocco has a potential offshore wind capacity of 200 gigawatts (GW), with 22 GW particularly suitable for fixed-bottom turbines.
Several studies show that the region benefits from high speed winds and shallow water, the ideal conditions for fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines.
This tender is being reopened after the first one was canceled in July of 2024. The mission of MASEN is to propel Morocco’s offshore wind industry forward by building on the competencies acquired by the international industry.
Morocco possesses a robust offshore wind potential, according to the World Bank, which may help the nation avoid transmission problems and turn into an energy exporter by producing green hydrogen and clean power.
Morocco’s installed capacity might be more than 50% renewable energy by 2030, lowering Morocco’s need for energy imports.
Offshore wind will face competition from other renewable energy sources as well, but its strategic significance is underscored by its closeness to major cities, capacity to provide long-term jobs, and ability to supply neighboring countries’ renewable energy needs.
The World Bank added that offshore wind could grant Morocco energy independence in the future and help the country achieve its sustainability goals.