Morocco to Build Africa’s First Offshore Wind Farm

Morocco has revealed plans to develop its first offshore wind power facility, marking a historic milestone for both the country and the African continent. The project will be located off the coast of Essaouira.

With a planned capacity of 1,000 megawatts, the wind farm will be one of the initial ventures backed by the Mediterranean Blue Partnership (MBP), a multi-donor initiative aimed at promoting sustainable blue economies across the southern Mediterranean and Red Sea regions.

Construction of the project is expected to begin in 2029, supporting Morocco’s broader goal of sourcing over 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Until now, the country’s renewable energy development has focused mainly on solar power and onshore wind.

The World Bank has noted Morocco’s considerable offshore wind potential, citing its ability to not only generate clean electricity but also produce green hydrogen using that energy.

Morocco's Atlantic coastline, particularly around Essaouira, offers ideal conditions for offshore wind due to strong, steady winds and shallow coastal waters. Average wind speeds in the area reach around 11 meters per second, making it a prime location for such a venture.

“This project is part of a dynamic that combines energy independence, industrial attractiveness and economic competitiveness,” stated Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition.