The Moroccan Integrated Energy Project plans to increase the share of wind power in Morocco’s national energy mix to about 2% by 2020.
Vestas has signed a firm and unconditional order with Acwa Power to supply 40 units of the V90-3.0 MW wind turbine for the 120-MW Khalladi wind farm, which will be located in the windy Tangiers region of northern Morocco.
The contract comprises the supply of the turbines and a 20-year Active Output Management 4000 service agreement to guarantee the optimal performance of the wind farm.
Khalladi Wind will be the first renewable energy project financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Morocco that lets private producers to sell electricity through power purchase agreements to industrial off-takers. In addition to EBRD, the project will be co-financed by the Moroccan bank BMCE and Argan Infrastructure Fund, an Africa-focused infrastructure fund managed by Infra Invest.
Turbine delivery is planned for the second quarter of 2017, while commissioning is expected for the fourth quarter of 2017.
“Being Vestas’ first order in Morocco since 2000 this project represents a big step forward for us, as we continue to work hard to build a stronger presence in the country and contribute to the development of the growing Moroccan wind industry,” said President of Vestas Mediterranean, Marco Graziano.
Morocco has put in place an ambitious plan to accelerate the deployment of wind energy. The Moroccan Integrated Energy Project envisages increasing the share of wind power in the national energy mix to around 2% by 2020. Vestas has recently established a local presence in Casablanca.
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects, Turbines
