The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) positions itself at the forefront of energy innovation with the development of a **Pilot Virtual Power Plant (VPP)**, hosted at the Center for Electricity Science and Technology (CSTE). This ambitious project aims to optimize the Moroccan energy mix and support the carbon neutrality goal set for 2050.
#### A new era for energy management
This virtual power plant relies on the aggregation of decentralized energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and battery storage systems. Through an advanced software platform, these resources distributed across multiple sites act as a single power plant. This innovative concept addresses the challenges of energy efficiency and decarbonization, fully aligning with Morocco’s strategic priorities to diversify its energy sources while ensuring supply security.
#### A project supported by international partnerships
Financed with the support of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) on behalf of the German government, the project also responds to the national energy strategy for 2030. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, it aims to ensure competitive access to energy while stimulating innovation in emerging technologies.
#### Cutting-edge technologies for the transition
The “VPP-CSTE” project integrates a Smart Grid platform and advanced equipment:
– A 200 kW photovoltaic solar power plant.
– A battery storage system with a capacity of 1 MWh.
– An electrolyzer and a 10 kW fuel cell.
– A seawater desalination plant to locally produce the necessary water.
The green hydrogen produced by electrolysis will be used to replace propane gas in certain installations, enhancing the integration of renewable energies in industrial and domestic uses.
#### Strategic objectives
ONEE aims to achieve several objectives through this virtual power plant:
– Exploit the capabilities of Smart Grids for intelligent management of energy resources.
– Train experts in the fields of smart grids and storage solutions.
– Develop national expertise in the hydrogen value chain.
– Promote innovation in sustainable energy technologies.
#### A lever for Moroccan leadership
With this innovation, Morocco strengthens its position as a pioneer in the energy transition and the adoption of renewable energies. By adjusting energy production and distribution in real-time according to demand, this virtual power plant will significantly contribute to the decarbonization of the national economy while consolidating the foundations of a sustainable energy model.