As part of Morocco’s ambitious strategy aimed at consolidating its energy sovereignty and accelerating the development of renewable energies, (ONEE) is taking a new step. The Jbel Lahdid wind farm, located in the province of Essaouira, has officially entered service. With an impressive capacity of 270 MW, this infrastructure marks a decisive turning point in the Kingdom’s energy transition.
Morocco, under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, continues its path towards increasingly assertive energy independence. With the commissioning of the Jbel Lahdid park, the country’s total renewable energy capacity now reaches 5,440 MW, including 2,400 MW from wind power. This figure represents 45% of the national electricity production capacity. A remarkable advance which is part of the dynamic of reaching, well before 2030, the objective of 52% renewable energies in the energy mix.
A large-scale project
The Jbel Lahdid wind farm, installed on three ridges along the Essaouira-Safi national road, is equipped with 54 turbines of 5 MW each, partly manufactured in Morocco. These installations will produce approximately 952 GWh annually, the equivalent of the consumption of a city of 1.2 million inhabitants such as Marrakech, Fez or Tangier.
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This project also allows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, to the tune of 580,000 tonnes per year, thus strengthening the Kingdom’s commitment to the fight against climate change.
Positive socio-economic impacts
In addition to its environmental impact, this project has numerous benefits for local communities. More than 500 direct jobs were created, thus contributing to the economic development of the region. In addition, the opening of 74 km of road access connecting more than 14 rural municipalities is another major asset of this infrastructure, improving connectivity and mobility in the province.
A public-private partnership for a sustainable future
Developed as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) between ONEE, Nareva Holding and Enel Green Power, the Jbel Lahdid wind farm represents a total investment of 3.25 billion dirhams. This project benefited from concessional financing obtained from international institutions, such as KfW, the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as the European Union.
Rachid Mahmoudi
