- Morocco will develop a 1,000MW offshore wind farm near Essaouira by 2029, advancing its goal to source over 52% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
- The project supports energy sovereignty and green hydrogen production and positions Morocco as a regional clean energy leader.
Morocco has announced plans to build Africa’s first offshore wind farm, advancing its ambition to generate over 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The 1,000MW project, set to begin construction by 2029, will rise off the Atlantic coast near Essaouira and mark the country’s entry into offshore wind development.
Building on its success in solar and onshore wind energy, Morocco is now taking a bold step toward harnessing its vast offshore wind potential, particularly along the Atlantic coastline. The Mediterranean Blue Partnership (MBP), a multi-donor fund promoting a sustainable blue economy in the Southern Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, will finance the project.
Experts, including those from the World Bank, have highlighted Essaouira’s suitability for offshore wind due to its shallow coastal waters and steady high-speed winds averaging 11 meters per second.
Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali described the project as a strategic pillar of Morocco’s energy transition. She emphasised its potential to strengthen energy sovereignty, attract industrial investments, and enhance economic competitiveness. The wind farm is also expected to play a vital role in powering Morocco’s emerging green hydrogen sector.
As the nation prepares for construction, the Essaouira wind farm stands ready to become a landmark in Africa’s clean energy journey and a catalyst for sustainable development across the region.