Morocco has unveiled plans for its inaugural offshore wind farm, a 1,000-megawatt facility near Essaouira, marking the country’s entry into marine renewable energy development. The announcement was made last week in Nice during the Mediterranean Day of the United Nations Conference on the Oceans.
The project represents one of the first investments funded by the Mediterranean Blue Partnership (MBP), a multi-donor fund supporting sustainable blue economy initiatives in the southern Mediterranean and Red Sea regions. Construction is scheduled to begin by 2029.
Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali described the initiative as combining “energy independence, industrial attractiveness and economic competitiveness.” The project aligns with Morocco’s strategic goal of achieving over 52% renewable electricity by 2030.
Essaouira’s coastal location offers exceptional conditions for offshore wind development, with consistent marine winds averaging 11 meters per second, ensuring favorable technical profitability for electricity generation.
The MBP, now holding €22 million in available funds, recently welcomed Spain’s €8.5 million commitment alongside contributions from Sweden, Germany, France, and the European Union. The partnership is financing feasibility studies and technical assistance for the Moroccan project.
Two additional initiatives received first-phase MBP funding. Jordan will restore the Ayla oasis in the Gulf of Aqaba, regenerating coral ecosystems and implementing thermal storage systems expected to increase coral coverage by 240% while saving over 1.2 million kilowatt-hours annually. Egypt’s East Alexandria wastewater treatment plant, operational by 2028, will process 300,000 cubic meters daily, benefiting 1.5 million residents.
The announcement coincides with rapid global offshore wind expansion, with Rystad Energy projecting 19 gigawatts of new capacity in 2025. Morocco’s venture into offshore wind technology strengthens its position as a regional renewable energy leader, potentially inspiring similar Mediterranean initiatives.
