The European Investment Bank (EIB) has re-issued a tender for technical assistance related to the feasibility study of Morocco’s offshore wind project. Initially issued in July 2024, the tender was canceled but has been relaunched as of September 2024.
The updated tender, valued at €2 million, aims to assist MASEN in conducting a feasibility study for an offshore wind farm near Essaouira. This 24-month contract will cover studies and environmental impact assessments. The project seeks to evaluate the viability of fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where favorable wind speeds and shallow waters support potential wind farm installations.
As previously reported, Morocco’s offshore wind initiative is a key component of the country’s broader energy strategy. MASEN plans to develop 6 gigawatts (GW) of wind power by 2030, contributing to Morocco’s goal of sourcing 52% of its energy from renewable sources. In 2022, a €2 million grant was approved to support both the feasibility study and a potential pilot project.
The World Bank has highlighted Morocco’s offshore wind potential as “fantastic,” noting that the country could use this energy to produce green hydrogen—a critical element of its energy policy. This would help Morocco reduce transmission issues and position itself as an energy exporter.
Currently, Morocco imports the majority of its energy. However, by 2030, renewable sources are expected to account for more than half of the nation’s installed capacity.
The World Bank has emphasized the promise of offshore wind due to its proximity to coastal cities, which could lead to increased employment opportunities. “Its scale, proximity to population centers, and potential for long-term employment are encouraging, although it will face competition from other renewable energy sources,” the World Bank noted.
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