Morocco's Energy Company, recognized as the largest private electricity producer in the Kingdom, is set to embark on a transformative strategic shift aimed at tripling its production capacity by an impressive 300%. This ambitious plan comes after decades of reliance on coal as the primary energy source.
The company currently operates the largest coal-fired thermal power plant in Africa and the Middle East, situated in the Jorf Lasfar region. This facility comprises six units that collectively generate a total capacity of 2 gigawatts, which satisfies approximately two-thirds of the nation's electricity demand. Notably, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company holds an 85% stake in this enterprise.
In a bold move towards sustainability, the company aims to scale its production capacity to 8 gigawatts by January 2030. Of this, 4.8 gigawatts will derive from renewable energy sources, underpinned by investments estimated at 23.7 billion dirhams. The remaining capacity will be allocated to natural gas projects, with an associated cost of around 15.5 billion dirhams. This plan includes the acquisition of the state-owned "Tahadart" thermal power plant, with intentions for its expansion, a project that has received approval from the Competition Council. Furthermore, there will be a focus on distributing renewable energy projects across multiple regions, particularly emphasizing wind energy.
This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from the company's business model since its establishment in 1997, as it now seeks to diversify its energy mix by accelerating investments in renewable energy and water desalination initiatives.
The company has confirmed that in recent years, it has been actively developing a portfolio of new projects that are responsive to global energy transitions and sustainability challenges. Additionally, it is venturing into promising fields such as green hydrogen. Earlier this year, in February, it entered into an agreement with the Spanish company "Moyaf," alongside the Moroccan government, to develop a project for producing green ammonia and industrial fuel in the city of Dakhla. The company is also engaged in projects aimed at desalinating seawater, with a capacity of up to one million cubic meters annually. This comes at a time when Morocco is keen on attracting significant investments in the green hydrogen sector, capitalizing on its natural resources and geographic advantages.
As reported by almarrakchia.net.
