SeeNews Renewables
by Mariyana Yaneva
Moroccan electricity and water utility company ONEE is ready to open the tendering procedure for a MAD-400-million (USD 40.3m/EUR 38m) contract for rehabilitation of hydro power plants in the country, Moroccan daily Le Matin reports.
Last month, ONEE received a loan of EUR 35 million (USD 38m) from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to fund its hydro power overhaul programme.
A total of 12 small- and medium-sized hydropower plants will be rehabilitated, with a focus on safety elements, to extend the lifespan of the plants and improve their energy efficiency.
The programme will also fund research on possible integration of pumped storage facilities at some of the dams as well as an overall study to update estimates of the current hydro power resource available in the country.
Morocco currently has an installed hydro power capacity of 1,770 MW, of which 460 MW in pumped-storage facilities. Another project for a 350 MW pumped-storage power plant is under development in Abdelmoumen with commissioning planned for 2020.
About 100 MW more are expected to come on stream between 2017 and 2019 as private investments under the 13-09 renewable energy law.
Mariyana is a founding member of the SeeNews Renewables team. With eight years of professional experience in renewable energy she has built strong expertise in the wind industry and French-speaking markets.
