Morocco is taking a significant step towards developing Africa’s first offshore wind energy project. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have issued a tender for a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for this pioneering initiative.
The proposed site for the project is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Essaouira, a resort town renowned among windsurfers for its consistent wind flow from the Atlantic into the low-pressure zone of the Sahara.
According to the tender, the region’s strong winds and shallow waters make it an ideal location for wind energy development.
Masen aims to install at least 6 GW of wind generation capacity by 2030, aligning with its goal to source 52% of Morocco’s energy from renewables by that year.
This tender follows the EIB’s announcement in September 2022, approving a €2 million grant to Masen for the feasibility study.
Lionel Rapaille, EIB Operations Director for Morocco, remarked, “Our technical assistance will support Morocco’s ambitious climate goals and the development of a new, cutting-edge sector across the continent.”
To date, no African country has developed an offshore wind project, although Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya have shown interest in exploring this potential.
