Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Wind Country Notes

Morocco
Study has shown that the best wind resources in Morocco are found in the north (particularly in the Atlantic coastal regions) and in the south. The former experiences annual average wind speeds of between 8 m/s and 11 m/s and the latter of between 7 m/s and 8.5 m/s. The wind potential can be utilised for both grid-connected electricity production and also water production by desalination.

The Centre for Renewable Energies (CDER) has stated that its objectives are that by 2012 20% of electricity and 10% of energy consumption should be supplied by renewable energy. The harnessing of Morocco's excellent wind potential began in 2000 with the 50 MW El Koudia El Baida at Tétouan. This was followed in 2001 by a 3.5 MW plant at the same location. During 2005, output from the two wind farms totalled 208 GWh. In September 2005 a 10 MW plant attached to the cement factory in Tétouan became operational. The grid-connected turbines are expected to produce 38 GWh/yr and provide 50% of the factory's consumption.

In the short term two new wind farm projects are planned by the Moroccan Office national de l'électricité (ONE). It is foreseen that a 60 MW system at Cap Sim, 15 km south of Essaouira, will be operational in 2007-2008. Invitations to tender for a 140 MW (165 x 850 kW) project, split between Dhar Saadane, 22 km southeast of Tanger and Beni Mejmel, 12 km east of Tanger were issued in early 2007. It is foreseen that the project will be operational by 2009-2010.

Many other sites for both large and small projects are currently under development, undergoing feasibility studies or awaiting approval. One desalination project quoted by CDER is a grid-connected wind farm at Tan-Tan city, some 900 km south of Rabat. It is forecast that the plant would begin with 5.6 MW of capacity, rising to 8.8 MW and then to 11.2 MW. By 2015 over 11 000 m³/d of water could be produced.