November 22, 2012 by Michael McGovern
MOROCCO: Six entries, from 16 contenders, have been shortlisted to build 850MW of wind capacity across five sites in Morocco, state utility National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE) has confirmed.
Al Koudia Al Baïda in northern Morocco accounts for 50.4 MW of the country’s 292MW of wind power
Five of the contenders are consortia, each linked to a different technology. Spanish turbine manufactures Gamesa and Acciona are partners with Saudi Arabian developer ACWA Power and Morocco’s Al Ajial Funds, respectively.
Danish manufacturer Vestas has teamed up with French group GDF Suez International Power. Germany’s Siemens is part of a consortium led by Italian utility Enel. Turbine maker Alstom is working with French utility EDF and Japan’s Mitui group. Only US turbine manufacturer GE is going it alone.
The projects are to be developed on a build, own, operate and transfer basis as public-private partnerships with ONEE, the Energy Investment Company and the Hassan II Fund for Economic & Social Development, all state-owned.
Chinese disappointment
The shortlist represents a blow for China’s wind turbine manufacturers. Ming Yang, Guodian and Goldwind were all among the bidders. Struggling manufacturers Suzlon and Clipper were also among the losers.
