Africa Makes Historic Leap into Offshore Wind Energy as Morocco Announces Continental First
In a landmark moment for renewable energy across the African continent, Morocco has officially confirmed construction will begin by 2029 on Africa’s first-ever offshore windfarm. The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) announced this historic project during the United Nations Ocean Conference Mediterranean Day in Nice, France.
The groundbreaking windfarm, strategically located off Morocco’s Atlantic coast near Essaouira, represents one of the inaugural investments under the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP). With over €500 million already mobilized for more than 250 regional projects since 2015, this initiative signals Africa’s bold entry into the offshore wind energy sector.
The European Investment Bank’s recent feasibility study highlighted Morocco’s exceptional offshore wind potential, particularly along its Atlantic coastline where high wind speeds and shallow waters create ideal conditions for fixed-bottom offshore wind installations. The World Bank has described Morocco’s offshore wind resource as “fantastic,” noting the country’s potential to not only generate clean electricity but also produce green hydrogen for export.
Source: rivieramm.com