Meed | Morocco extends wind farms prequalification

Morocco extends wind farms prequalification

12 June 2024

The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has extended by one month the final day for interested companies to submit their statements of qualifications for a contract to develop and operate new onshore wind farms in the North African state.

The 400MW Nassim Nord wind power programme includes two wind farms. The first is a 150MW extension to the existing Nassim Koudia Al-Baida wind park in the Fahs Anjra and Mdiq-Fnideq provinces.

The second scheme, Nassim Dar Chaoui wind park, will be located in the provinces of Tangier and Tatouiane and will have a capacity of approximately 250MW.

According to an industry source, Masen extended the prequalification submissions from 24 June to 24 July.

The project will be implemented under a 30-year power-purchase agreement between Masen and the project company, which will include the successful bidder.

Masen, either alone or with a Moroccan public entity, will take a 35% stake in both the project company and the operation and maintenance (O&M) company that will be formed for the project.

Masen is expected to issue the request for proposals for the Nassim Nord wind projects in September, as MEED earlier reported.

Owned by Masen and France's EDF Renewables, the Nassim Koudia Al Baida scheme is Morocco's first wind independent power producer (IPP) project, which had an initial capacity of 50MW.

In 2022, additional financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Climate Investment Fund (CTF) aimed to double the plant's capacity,

2030 target

Morocco has set a target for 52% of its energy to be produced from clean energy sources by 2030, one of the most ambitious targets in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Morocco aims to bring its renewable capacity to 10,000MW by 2030. Of the total, solar PV is expected to account for 4,500MW, wind for 4,200MW and hydroelectric for 1,300MW.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo