The Khaladi Wind Farm near Tangier is poised for expansion as it embarks on a new project that will add 40 megawatts (MW) to its existing capacity. This initiative is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to accelerate its energy transition and increase the share of renewable sources in national electricity production.
Investment and Capacity Growth
Saudi Arabia’s Aqua Power, the company overseeing the expansion, has revealed plans to raise the total capacity of the wind farm from 120 MW to 160 MW. This move aims to meet the growing demand for clean electricity, particularly from industrial units seeking to reduce their carbon footprints. The Khaladi facility, located in the Jbel Sidi Ahmed area just 30 kilometers from Tangier, features 40 wind turbines and represents a significant investment of approximately 1.8 billion dirhams, fully funded by the private sector.
A Green Milestone
Since commencing commercial operations in 2018, Khaladi has become one of Morocco’s flagship renewable energy projects, established under Law 13-09, which regulates electricity production from renewable sources and their direct marketing to consumers. Operational data indicates that the farm’s output has consistently outperformed initial targets, generating around 397 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually—surpassing the forecast of 390 GWh. This output is sufficient to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of residents, contributing to a reduction of approximately 180,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Strategic Implications
The Khaladi model focuses on supplying green electricity to industrial enterprises through long-term contracts, with any surplus sold to the National Office for Electricity and Potable Water. This approach not only enhances the electricity market’s openness to private investments but also aligns with the national target of achieving 52% of its installed capacity from renewable sources by 2030. Such progress will bolster the competitiveness of the national economy while decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The expansion project also underscores Aqua Power’s strategy to enhance its investments in Morocco. The company is engaged in various sectors, including solar energy, seawater desalination, and green hydrogen, in addition to wind projects that play a crucial role in the country’s energy transformation efforts.
