Morocco is making significant progress in its plans to develop the first offshore wind project in Africa, with the support of the European Investment Bank. The pilot project, located off the coast of Essaouira, aims to have an initial capacity of 30-40 MW. Although the timeline for construction is still uncertain, the studies for the project are expected to begin in early 2025.
The country has been identified as one of the most promising locations for offshore wind in Africa, with the potential to generate up to 200 GW of energy from offshore wind. This includes both standard fixed-bottom turbines and floating turbines, which are still in the early stages of deployment. Morocco’s renewable energy potential positions it as a key player in the region, with plans to meet 52% of its energy needs through renewables by 2030.
Morocco’s efforts in renewable energy have also caught the attention of international markets, with plans to potentially export electricity to Europe. The country is already connected to Spain through existing transmission lines, and there are discussions about a future connection to Britain. XLinks, a UK company, is exploring the construction of the world’s longest subsea power line to supply British customers with solar and wind energy from Morocco.
While Morocco is paving the way for offshore wind development in Africa, it is important to note that not all countries on the continent have the necessary conditions for such projects. Factors such as low average windspeeds near the equator and high construction costs pose challenges to the offshore wind industry globally. South Africa is another country with good conditions for offshore wind, but significant investment in transmission infrastructure is required due to the distance between potential wind farms and population centers.
Despite these challenges, Morocco’s commitment to offshore wind as a renewable energy source sets it apart from many other African countries. The government’s focus on both commercial and geographic factors shows a strong belief in the potential of offshore wind energy. As the country continues to make progress in its renewable energy goals, it is likely to set an example for other nations looking to explore offshore wind as a viable energy source in the future.