Morocco seeks firms for 400MW wind schemes
26 April 2024
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has invited companies to prequalify for a contract to develop and operate new onshore wind farms.
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, located in the Fahs Anjra and Mdiq-Fnideq provinces.
The second scheme, called Nassim Dar Chaoui wind park, will be located in the provinces of Tangier and Tatouiane. It will have a capacity of approximately 250MW.
According to an industry source, Masen expects to receive the prequalification submissions on 24 June.
The project will be implemented under a 30-year power-purchase agreement between Masen and the project company that 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.
Owned by Masen and France's EDF Renewables, the Nassim Koudia Al Baida scheme is Morocco's first wind independent prower 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,
Noor Midelt 2
MEED reported on 25 April that Masen has invited prequalified developers and developer consortiums to bid for a contract to develop the second phase of its Noor Midelt solar independent power producer (IPP) programme.
Located in central Morocco, the Noor Midelt 2 IPP consists of a 400MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with battery storage of two hours.
The client expects to receive bids for the contract by 8 July.
2030 target
Morocco has set a target for 52 per cent 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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