Morocco looks forward to producing power from solid waste and turning a landfill into source of energy to speed up its transition to clean economy. To achieve this goal, Moroccan authorities have signed a concession agreement with Swiss-Japanese firm Kanadevia Inova and its partners for the development of the Casablanca Solid Waste Treatment and Valorization Project in Casablanca.
The $1.5 bln project represents a significant step forward for sustainable waste management in the country and marks Kanadevia Inova’s entry into the African waste-to-energy market.
Developed by an international and local consortium, the project will transform municipal solid waste management in Greater Casablanca, serving more than 4.2 million inhabitants, by combining waste treatment, landfill management and renewable energy generation.
The 33.5-year concession provides for the exclusive treatment of Casablanca’s municipal waste. The facility will process approximately 1.5 million tons annually, increasing waste valorization rates to around 80% and significantly reducing landfill reliance.
The Casablanca facility will have an installed capacity of approximately 126 MWe of baseload electricity, complemented by 50 MWp of solar PV and 4 MW of landfill biogas recovery, resulting in total annual electricity production of around 1 TWh. This will supply nearly one million inhabitants and support Morocco’s energy transition amid rising electricity demand of around 3% annually through 2030.
Located next to the Mediouna Landfill, one of Africa’s largest methane-emitting sites, the project will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions being shifting from landfill to energy recovery.
Beyond its environmental, public health and land saving benefits, the project will support local economic development, creating around 140 skilled operational jobs and significant employment during construction, with approximately 1,240 workers over 3.5 years, plus an additional 300 jobs for related infrastructure.
