Rabat – A recent study published by Moroccan researchers suggests that by developing its offshore wind energy production capabilities, Morocco is in a good position to achieve its 52% renewable energy goal by 2030.
Maryam Tawfik and Ahmed Fikri, from the Laboratory of Applied Geology and Environment at the Faculty of Sciences Ibn M’sik at Hassan II University in Casablanca, recently published their findings in the Energy Conversion and Management scientific journal, Moroccan media reported.
The study suggests three key sites in the Atlantic ocean with optimal conditions for offshore wind farms, namely, Boujdour, Essaouira, and Dakhla, with a total capacity to generate up to 13.3 gigawatts of electricity. There are several factors that make the three sites suitable for wind farm development, including proximity to active ports, a well-established power grid, average wind speed, and water depth.
The same study shows that Morocco’s energy consumption has been growing by an average of 5% per annum, increasing potentially by threefold before 2030, according to media reports.
Despite the growing electricity consumption, the authors of the study believe that due to Morocco’s strategic geographical location, the country will be able to practically meet its target of 52% renewable energy use by 2030 if it relies on locally produced green energy. It is estimated that the country has a wind energy capacity of about 25 gigawatts.
Confirming the Moroccan study’s findings, World Bank senior energy specialist Mark Leybourne noted in 2020 that Morocco has a “fantastic” offshore wind resource “that is too attractive to ignore.” The specialist stressed that Morocco has great potential for developing its wind energy capacity, suggesting that the North African country is poised to become a key supplier of energy to the European market.
