A two-year feasibility study will assess the technical and economic viability of Morocco's first offshore wind farm near Essaouira.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has initiated a two-year feasibility study for a proposed offshore wind farm off Morocco's Atlantic coast, near Essaouira. This study aims to determine the technical and economic viability of the country's first offshore wind project, its potential electricity generation, and the necessary infrastructure. Renewable energy consultancy OWC is leading the assessment, funded by the EIB's Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership Trust Fund.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) supports the initiative as Morocco seeks to expand its renewable energy capacity and diversify its power sources. The study will evaluate potential sites, measure wind conditions, and develop an initial project design. It will also assess Morocco's existing infrastructure, including ports and supply chains, and examine the project's impact on the national electricity grid and connection options.
The consortium conducting the study includes Moroccan and European firms, with specialists from OWC's French, UK, and German teams contributing. Hakim Mouslim, OWC's regional director, called the initiative a significant step for Morocco's renewable energy sector. The findings will inform whether the offshore wind farm can proceed to development, offering an additional renewable electricity source along the Atlantic coast beyond the established onshore wind industry.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected by the EIB-backed feasibility study as it assesses the technical and economic viability of Morocco's first offshore wind farm, potentially opening new avenues for investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
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