- Morocco accelerates offshore wind energy development with plans to build its first offshore wind farm in Essaouira, backed by a €2 million EIB grant.
- Offshore wind potential reaches 200 GW, with 22 GW suitable for fixed-bottom turbines in areas like Essaouira, known for strong winds and shallow waters.
- MASEN leads the project, part of Morocco’s broader strategy to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Morocco is speeding up efforts to harness its vast offshore wind potential, aiming to capitalise on solid winds and favourable maritime conditions. The country targets an estimated 200 gigawatts (GW) of capacity for renewable energy production.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) granted MAD 20.6 million (around USD 2.1 million) to support the initiative. This grant helps the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) lead the development of offshore wind projects. According to El Economista, MASEN plans to build Morocco’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Essaouira. The project, valued at two million euros, will take two years to complete.
The World Bank estimates Morocco’s offshore wind potential to be 200 GW. Among these, 22 GW offers ideal conditions for fixed-bottom wind turbines, especially in shallow waters. Essaouira, known for high wind speeds and favourable maritime conditions, presents an excellent location for wind energy projects.
Morocco continues to diversify its energy sources. The country invests heavily in renewable energy, including solar and onshore wind power. Morocco aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase clean energy capacity with the new offshore wind project.
MASEN plays a critical role in expanding the country’s renewable energy portfolio. The agency developed the Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest in the world. Now, MASEN focuses on offshore wind, an underutilised resource in Morocco.
The EIB’s financial support is critical to this project’s success. With a long history of funding renewable energy, the bank helps MASEN cover initial project costs. Offshore wind projects benefit from this crucial funding, which is typically more expensive than onshore ones.
Morocco’s coastal regions provide ideal locations for offshore wind farms. Studies reveal that the waters near Essaouira offer solid and steady winds and shallow depths, making them suitable for fixed-bottom turbines. These turbines anchor to the seabed and work best in shallow waters, unlike floating turbines in deeper waters.
Morocco’s offshore wind initiative aligns with global trends. Countries worldwide are investing in offshore wind to meet renewable energy targets. Europe, mainly the UK and Germany, leads in this sector. Morocco aims to follow suit and emerge as a leader in offshore wind energy in Africa.
The Essaouira project could set a precedent for future offshore wind farms nationwide. A successful launch would attract further investments and significantly boost Morocco’s renewable energy capacity.
Morocco remains focused on its renewable energy goals. The country aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and offshore wind will be crucial in reaching this target.
Morocco is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s renewable energy sector by tapping into offshore wind energy. With solid support from international partners like the EIB, the country is moving closer to achieving its clean energy goals.