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Morocco Empowers Its Energy Landscape: $2.5 Billion Project to Unify North and South Electric Grids

Morocco Empowers Its Energy Landscape: $2.5 Billion Project to Unify North and South Electric Grids
Tuesday 19 December 2023 - 16:15
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Morocco is embarking on a monumental $2.5 billion initiative to seamlessly connect the power grids of its northern and southern regions, facilitating increased transmission of renewable energy. The state-owned National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) recently issued a call for proposals to construct two cutting-edge ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission lines, each boasting a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.

Spanning over 500 miles, these new transmission links will bridge Morocco's renewable energy-abundant south with the populous northern regions. With robust solar and wind resources, the southern part of the country has witnessed a surge in renewable energy projects. These novel transmission lines aim to enable cleaner energy to supplant fossil fuel generation, catering to major northern cities such as Casablanca and Tangier.

ONEE has enlisted a private consortium to undertake the development, construction, and operation of the project through a 30-year agreement. The first $1.25 billion transmission line is scheduled to go live in 2026, with the second line following suit in 2028. This initiative aligns with Morocco's broader strategy to mitigate the costs of energy imports while tapping into its substantial solar and wind potential. Some experts envision this project positioning Morocco as a potential exporter of green energy to Europe.

Against the backdrop of the Cop28 climate talks, Morocco's substantial investment in its power grid underscores its ambitious renewable energy goals. Analogous to its towering solar plants basking in the Saharan sun, these transmission links are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating Morocco's transition to a greener energy landscape.


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