EIB Issues Tender for Morocco Offshore Wind Study

The EIB has renewed a €2M tender for a Morocco offshore wind study, boosting the country's renewable energy and green hydrogen potential.
 

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued a new tender to support Morocco's interest in offshore wind energy. The contract titled "Technical Assistance for Offshore Wind Feasibility Study" will assess the potential for offshore wind projects in Morocco. The EIB first launched the tender in July 2024 but opened it again due to an earlier cancellation. The new contract will last for 24 months.

Morocco's Potential for Offshore Wind

Recent studies show that Morocco has great potential for offshore wind energy. The country's Atlantic coast is especially promising. High wind speeds and shallow waters make it perfect for wind farms. Morocco plans to build its first offshore wind farm near Essaouira. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) will lead this project. This will mark a big step forward for renewable energy in Morocco.

Supporting MASEN's Offshore Wind Efforts

The EIB's tender aims to help MASEN study the feasibility of an offshore wind project. The chosen consultant will offer technical expertise. They will also support extra studies and guide the environmental and social impact assessments. The contract is worth €2 million ($2.2 million USD).

MASEN remains committed to sustainable energy, gained valuable industry knowledge from other projects. With a focus on offshore wind, MASEN plans to grow Morocco’s renewable energy sector. This move could make Morocco a leader in clean energy in North Africa.

Morocco's Green Hydrogen & Energy Export Potential

Morocco’s offshore wind potential provides more than just clean electricity. The World Bank has praised Morocco's resources. They suggest that Morocco could use offshore wind energy to produce green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. This could help Morocco increase its energy exports. Offshore wind projects could also prevent transmission issues, making energy export smoother and more efficient.

Morocco's Renewable Energy Future

Today, Morocco still imports the majority of its energy. Yet, the country has ambitious plans for renewable energy. By 2030, Morocco aims to source over half of its total installed energy capacity from renewable sources. Offshore wind, while still in competition with other renewable options, offers significant benefits.

Morocco's Offshore Wind Competitive Edge

Offshore wind energy offers many benefits to Morocco. It is close to coastal population centres, making it easy to connect with local communities. This can create long-term jobs in the area. Nearby countries also want renewable energy, boosting Morocco’s chance to export energy.

Offshore wind projects can also expand faster than other renewable sources. The growing demand for clean energy makes this an attractive investment. So, Morocco is well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

MASEN and Morocco’s Renewable Energy Goals

The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) plays a key role in Morocco's renewable energy strategy. As Morocco pushes towards its renewable energy goals, MASEN focuses on a mix of energy sources. These energy sources include solar, wind, and hydropower. With the development of offshore wind energy, Morocco moves one step closer to achieving its 2030 energy targets.

MASEN’s efforts to develop an offshore wind farm near Essaouira will help meet domestic energy needs. But they'll go beyond this too by strengthening Morocco’s position in the global renewable energy market.

A Bright Future for Morocco’s Offshore Wind Sector

The EIB’s renewed tender and MASEN’s commitment show a bright future for Morocco’s offshore wind sector. Morocco has strong wind resources, especially along the Atlantic coast. These resources could help Morocco become a major player in global renewable energy. Developing offshore wind projects comes with key benefits too. It diversifies the country’s energy sources. But it will also reduce Morocco’s dependence on imported energy. So, the cooperation between international groups like the European Investment Bank and national organisations such as MASEN will be key to achieving Morocco’s renewable energy goals.