Morocco seeks private investors for wind farms
A proposed course of action calls for renewed efforts to invest in the energy sector, particularly in wind energy, through public-private partnerships, which have allowed both an increase in safety standards and a relative reduction in investment costs, making renewable energy a realistic and competitive alternative, especially when prices for oil and gas are at high levels.
Morocco has very strong potential for renewable energy projects. Wind potential is particularly high, especially in the north and south of the country:
• Essaouira, Tangier and Tetouan have average wind speeds of 9.5 to 11 meters per second at 40 meters;
• Tarfaya, Taza and Dakhla have average wind speeds between 7.5 and 9.5 meters per second at 40 meters;
• Morocco has a total wind power potential of 7,936 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year;
• electricity consumption in Morocco in 2007 was 22.6 Twh;
• a detailed atlas of wind speed and patterns in Morocco was published in 1995 and updated in 2007;
• more than 50 wind-measurement stations were installed between 1990 and 2007.
Morocco is attempting to obtain private funding for the Tarfaya 300-megawatt (MW) wind farm project. Morocco's Office National de Electricite invited potential bidders for the Tarfaya wind farm project for a final discussion about project specifications and technical clarifications in the third week of October.
The winning bidder will build a 200-MW wind farm, which will begin operating in 2011. The developer will have the option of increasing the size of the wind farm to 300 MW at a later stage.
Related News

Recommendations from BC Hydro review to keep electricity affordable
VANCOUVER - The Province and BC Hydro have released recommendations from Phase 2 of the BC Hydro Review to keep rates affordable and encourage greater use of clean, renewable electricity to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets.
“Keeping life affordable for people is a key priority of our government,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Affordable electricity rates not only help British Columbians, they help ensure the price of electricity remains competitive with other forms of energy, supporting the transition away from fossil fuels to clean electricity in our homes and buildings, vehicles and businesses.”
While affordable…