Morocco grid-side energy storage project

The national electricity supplier and grid operator, as well as other actors in the Moroccan energy sector, are developing solutions and improving skills to enable the electricity system to account for a larger share of variable renewables. The project operates in the following areas of action:

When Morocco introduced its national energy strategy in 2009, it initiated an energy transition which aims to ensure that about half of installed electricity generating capacity will come from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Morocco is preparing to launch a massive foray into clean energy with its ambitious 1.6 GW BESS projects. The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) is expected to invite tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) totaling nearly 1,600MW.

Morocco's 1.6 GW BESS projects represent a key step in its clean energy ambitions. The facilities will electrify key urban areas and firm up the grid. Although the initial focus is in the northwest, the government aims nationwide. Furthermore, the projects align with Morocco's ambitions to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) is also in contention. It recently tendered for solar-independent power projects with battery storage. Riyadh-headquartered Acwa Power led the winning bids for the Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects, each 400MW of solar with attached BESS.

With the new development model published in June 2021, Morocco also wants to position itself as a driver of green and competitive energy. In view of this, the country is implementing ambitious projects to expand renewable energy sources.