RABAT, June 25 – Saudi energy and water company ACWA Power is looking to expand its investments in Morocco by moving into seawater desalination, green hydrogen and energy storage, building on its growing presence in the country’s renewable energy sector.
The company has already invested close to $3 billion in Morocco through a number of solar and wind projects. Among its flagship assets is the Khalladi wind farm in northern Morocco, which began operations in 2018 as ACWA Power’s first wind project globally.
The 120 megawatt facility, powered by 40 wind turbines, generates about 375 gigawatt hours of electricity each year, enough to supply around 400,000 people, according to ACWA Power Morocco General Manager Omar Aaloui Mhamdi.
The company has also secured approval to expand the wind farm by another 40 megawatts with the project expected to cost about MAD550 million (about $60 million) and could be completed within two years to meet rising demand from industrial customers.
Electricity from the Khalladi project is sold directly to Moroccan manufacturers in industries including cement, textiles and steel under long term power purchase agreements, made possible by the country’s renewable energy regulations.
Beyond wind and solar, ACWA Power is among the companies selected for the first phase of Morocco’s green hydrogen programme. Discussions with the government are continuing ahead of land allocation and project development.
Mhamdi said renewable energy remains the company’s main priority in Morocco, while future investments are also expected to cover desalination and green hydrogen production.
ACWA Power operates in 15 countries and manages assets worth more than $124 billion. The company has a total power generation capacity of nearly 98 gigawatts, including more than 52 gigawatts from renewable energy sources.
