Essaouira Offshore Wind Project Unveiled

Key Figures & Findings: Morocco has launched plans for its first offshore wind project, a 1GW  farm near Essaouira, marking a major step in its push to secure clean power. Announced during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the project is part of the country’s broader renewable strategy aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance and attracting manufacturing investment. According to  Leïla Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition, “This project is part of a dynamic that combines energy independence, industrial attractiveness, and economic competitiveness. Also, the project is one of the first major infrastructure initiatives backed by the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP)—a multi-donor climate financing facility led by the EBRD, AFD, EIB, and other European agencies, focused on scaling sustainable blue economy investments across Southern Mediterranean countries.

Statistics & Insights: Feasibility studies and technical support will be financed through BMP grants, with construction expected to begin in 2029.

Future Implications: If completed on schedule, the Essaouira wind farm could generate around 4 terawatt-hours (TWh), cutting more than 1 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, helping Morocco reach its 52% renewable electricity target by 2030.

Source: Ecofin Agency