The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) is entering a decisive phase in the deployment of the wind program “Nassim” by launching the recruitment of an international technical advisor. This mission is aimed at accelerating the development of nine major wind projects, operated under the IPP (Independent Power Producer) model, and aims to consolidate the share of wind energy in the national electricity mix.
Positioned as a strategic pillar of Morocco’s energy transition, “Nassim” aims to contribute to the goal of 52% renewable energy in the country’s installed capacity by 2030. The future parks, some of which will be built on new sites and others replacing existing installations (repowering), will cover areas ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 hectares. Each site will benefit from a connection capacity exceeding 100 MW, a threshold illustrating the scale of the program.
The role of the technical advisor, for which the call for applications was launched at the end of April, will be central. He will accompany Masen from feasibility studies to the financial closure of the projects, including the preparation of calls for tenders, the selection of developers, and the finalization of contracts. The opening of technical bids is scheduled for May 20, while the contract signing is expected on June 20, 2025.
The mission will consist of four components. The consultant will first conduct a comprehensive analysis of the regional wind market, including technologies, industrial players, financing models, and economic conditions. He will then carry out technical studies for each site, assessing wind potential, configuration scenarios (hybrid with solar and storage), and the most efficient setups. He will also oversee the management of the developer selection process, from prequalification to final negotiations. Finally, he may be mobilized for specific missions according to Masen’s needs.
This new chapter of the program continues the projects already launched. In April 2024, Masen began the prequalification of “Nassim Nord,” with a capacity of 400 MW, divided between two future parks: the extension of Koudia Al Baida (150 MW) and that of Dar Chaoui (250 MW), both located in the Tanger-Tétouan region. It is worth noting that the repowering project of Koudia Al Baida has already doubled the site’s capacity, increasing it from 50 to 100 MW.
Through “Nassim,” Masen confirms its driving role in the development of a robust and competitive Moroccan wind sector, complementary to the Noor solar plan, to sustainably position the Kingdom as a reference in renewable energies.
With Le Matin