Forbes
Christopher Coats
French energy firm Engie is looking to expand on development projects in Morocco in the country and beyond as a part of a broader push into North and West Africa.
According to media reports, Engie and Moroccan Nereva Holding have agreed to jointly develop “5 GW to 6 GW new power generation and energy services projects in North and West Africa.”
The move would build on Engie’s operations in Morocco, which already include the construction of the the 301 MW Tarfaya wind farm in the southwestern part of the country.
“Strong partnerships are at the heart of Engie’s strategy in Africa,” said Isabelle Kocher, Engie CEO, according to SEE News.
In recent years, Morocco has worked to reduce its dependence on foreign sources through the development of domestic projects, including exploring newly found traditional reserves and shale projects. However, the state’s embrace of solar and wind has become a pillar of the country’s energy policy.
Earlier this year, officials announced that these efforts had put Morocco on track to reach its 2020 renewable energy goals.
Industry media quoted Ali Fassi Fihri, general manager of the national power utility ONEE as stating that when adding the projects that are currently under construction in wind, solar and hydro, Morocco is on track to achieve a 43% renewable share by 2020. If achieved, this would put the country far ahead of regional neighbors in alternative energy contributions. Further, the country intends to reach a 52% share by 2030, putting it ahead of many European countries.
In addition to expanding the company’s footprint in Morocco, the agreement will clear the way for expansion plans into Egypt, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana and Cameroon in an effort that would result in a portfolio of 5,000 to 6,000 MW between 2020 and 2025, according to the report.
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