Morocco - Integrated Wind/Hydro and Rural Electrification Programme

The Integrated Wind/Hydro and Rural Electrification Programme is part of of Morocco’s strategic vision to improve its energy security, ensure access to energy in rural areas, and increase the share of renewable and clean energies, thus mitigating the effects of electrical power generation on climate change. It is estimated that the program will help prevent the emission of 65 million tonnes of CO2 over its entire lifetime. The program will allow for greater private sector participation in independent wind energy production, and finally will improve Morocco’s trade balance since 97% of primary energy sources currently come from imports. The project has three components. The hydroelectric and wind power component is called "WIND" while the rural electrification is called "PERG". The third component relates to the management of the program. The component "WIND" includes the construction of 3 wind farms (2 of which are financed by the Bank) with a total capacity of 550 MW located in northern Morocco; a set including a station of energy transfer by Pumped Power Transfer Station Project (STEP) and a hydropower complex with a total capacity of 520 MW. It involves the construction of transmission lines for the interconnection of these power generation facilities to the national grid and technical assistance. The 2 wind farms will be built over the 2012-2017 period.