Energy Storage Project in Ibhissa: Morocco Strengthens Its Energy Security with a Strategic Step Toward Green Transition
In a strategic move to enhance the resilience of the electrical grid and support the energy transition, Morocco is preparing to launch a large-scale pumped hydroelectric energy storage project in the Ibhissa region, located in the northern part of the country.
The project, overseen by the Office National de l’Électricité et de l’Eau Potable, is expected to complete its financing of approximately $450 million by May 2026, with support from the World Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Clean Technology Fund, and the African Development Bank, according to Bloomberg Asharq.
Rising Demand and Storage Strategy
This initiative comes in response to the continuing increase in electricity demand, which has been growing at an annual rate of 4% since 2010, reaching 45.7 terawatt-hours in 2024. In this context, the “Ibhissa” project will enable the storage of 690 gigawatt-hours of surplus electricity generated from renewable sources annually, which can be injected into the grid when needed, with a maximum production capacity of 300 megawatts.
Supporting Energy Transition and Reducing Coal Dependency
The project supports Morocco’s goals of raising the share of renewable energy to over 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Currently, clean energy accounts for 45% of installed capacity (5,337 megawatts by the end of 2024), but only meets 25% of national demand, according to International Energy Agency data.
Coal remains the primary source for electricity production at 55%, making storage projects like “Ibhissa” essential for achieving a more sustainable energy mix.
Effective Technology for Stability Assurance
The project relies on pumped hydroelectric storage technology, one of the most efficient global solutions for long-term energy storage, surpassing battery technologies due to its ability to balance supply and demand and maintain grid stability.
The project will be connected to a 400-kilovolt electricity transmission network, contributing to alleviating pressure on the northern region, which is experiencing rapid industrial development, including the largest automobile manufacturing plant in Africa.
A Station for the Future
The Ibhissa project is expected to mark a significant milestone in Morocco’s path toward energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, especially in light of sustainability challenges and climate change, positioning it as a model for international cooperation in developing green infrastructure projects.
