Emirati Companies Seek Investment in Wind Energy in Moroccan Desert
Major Emirati companies are making significant strides to invest in renewable energy projects in Morocco, particularly in the wind energy sector, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
Morocco is currently in negotiations with several of these companies to launch new projects in the southern regions, part of its efforts to increase the share of clean energy to 52% of the national electricity mix by 2030.
The Moroccan government is engaged in discussions with leading Emirati firms, including Masdar, AMEA Power, and TAQA, to initiate substantial investments estimated between $8 billion and $10 billion, with a production capacity that could reach 5,000 megawatts, enhancing the kingdom’s position among the leading countries in renewable energy production.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s strategies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease fuel import bills by diversifying energy sources and developing national capabilities in clean energies.
Since 2015, the Moroccan desert has experienced a surge in investments related to wind energy, housing four main stations that support the electricity grid with a total capacity of 750 megawatts. These include the Tarfaya station (300 megawatts), Aftissat (200 megawatts), Laayoune (50 megawatts), and Akhfenir (200 megawatts).
Currently, work is underway on two new projects expected to add an additional 400 megawatts of production capacity, involving a Boujdour station with a capacity of 300 megawatts and a Tiskrad station with a capacity of 100 megawatts, reflecting the ongoing dynamism in renewable energy projects in these areas.
Morocco is relying on its strategic partnerships with international players, primarily investors from the Gulf countries, to accelerate the pace of energy transition and achieve national energy security in the coming years.
