MOROCCO PIONEERS AFRICA’S FIRST OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT

Morocco unveils a 1 GW offshore wind project near Essaouira, a historic first for Africa, backed by the Blue Mediterranean Partnership.

Morocco offshore wind Renewable energy africa Blue mediterranean partnership
Wind Energy turbines
Wind Energy turbines
 

Morocco has emerged as Africa’s trailblazer in renewable energy, announcing the continent’s first offshore wind project at a Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) event during the United Nations Ocean Conference in France. Supported by the UfM’s Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP) multi-donor fund, the initiative near Essaouira aims to generate up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of clean energy, with construction set to begin in 2029.

“This project marks a pivotal step toward energy independence, industrial growth, and economic competitiveness,” said Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s ambitious goal to source 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, a target the country is on track to meet.

Backed by a $2.1 million grant from the European Investment Bank, the Moroccan Renewable Energy Agency (MASEN) is leading the project, building on a feasibility study launched last year to explore offshore wind potential. Government data shows Morocco’s wind energy capacity reached 2.4 GW in 2024 from onshore projects, but the country’s 3,500-kilometer coastline offers vast untapped potential for offshore expansion.

The World Bank estimates Morocco’s offshore wind capacity at 200 GW, with 22 GW suitable for bottom-fixed turbines and the remainder for floating wind farms. Regions like Essaouira, Tangier, Tetouan, and Dakhla, where wind speeds reach up to 11 meters per second, are prime locations for development. The Essaouira project, a flagship of the BMP’s blue economy initiatives, is poised to position Morocco as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy landscape.

“This is a historic moment for Africa’s energy transition,” said Khalid Al-Fassi, a MASEN official. “Offshore wind not only boosts our renewable capacity but also sets a precedent for sustainable development across the continent.” With global demand for clean energy rising, Morocco’s pioneering project could inspire similar ventures, harnessing Africa’s vast coastal resources to drive economic and environmental progress.

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