Construction of Moroccan communication base station energy storage system begins

Is Morocco preparing to launch a 1.6 GW Bess project?

Morocco is preparing to launch a massive foray into clean energy with its ambitious 1.6 GW BESS projects. The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) is expected to invite tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) totaling nearly 1,600MW.

Who is responsible for electricity storage in Morocco?

Electricity storage in Morocco falls within the scope of competence of the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment. ONEE is in charge of the production, the transmission and the distribution of electricity.

How many pumped hydro storage stations are there in Morocco?

There is currently one operational pumped hydro storage station in Afourer, Morocco, with a capacity of 460 MW. This project provides for time shifted electricity supply capacity and spinning reserve capacity. The Afourer pumped storage station, which was completed in 2004, is owned by the Moroccan Government 1 .

How is energy storage defined in Morocco?

Electricity storage is not separately defined in the Moroccan legislative framework. The rules concerning the issue of energy storage are to be found in the law applicable to the production of electricity.

Will Morocco develop a second hydro pumped storage project?

The Moroccan Government intends to develop a second hydro pumped storage project with a capacity of 360 MW, called “STEP Abdelmoumen”, near Agadir 3 , which is expected to become operational in 2020. Moreover, the second and third phases of the Noor project are currently being developed by MASEN, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy.

What are Morocco's Bess projects?

Morocco’s 1.6 GW BESS projects represent a key step in its clean energy ambitions. The facilities will electrify key urban areas and firm up the grid. Although the initial focus is in the northwest, the government aims nationwide. Furthermore, the projects align with Morocco’s ambitions to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.