(Ecofin Agency) – Renewable energy constitutes a major component of Morocco’s energy strategy, which has significant potential in this area. The exploitation of these energies will help to cover a substantial part of the growing needs by replacing fossil fuels.
The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water of Morocco has commissioned the Jbel Lahdid wind farm, in the province of Essaouira. With this new 270 MW unit, the Kingdom’s total renewable energy capacity now reaches 5,440 MW according to the Office, which specifies that 2,400 MW are of wind origin.
« With the commissioning of the Jbel Lahdid wind farm, we mark a new stage in our commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s energy independence and supporting the fight against climate change » declared Mr. Tarik Hamane, Director General of ONEE.
Morocco continues to advance towards its ambitious objective of 52% renewables in its energy mix by 2030. The country wishes to exploit its significant potential in this area to decarbonize, and make it a lever for economic development.
The infrastructure will produce around 952 GWh per year, or the electricity consumption of a city of around 1.2 million inhabitants, such as Marrakech, Fez and Tangier. It will contribute to the reduction of CO emissions2of 580,000 tonnes per year.
Furthermore, its construction led to the opening of several road accesses connecting more than 14 rural communities, as well as the creation of more than 500 direct jobs, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
Abdullah Diop
