Latest news with #TarikHamane
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco secures €300 million in European support to modernize and expand electricity grid
The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has secured €300 million in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the German development bank KfW, and the European Union (EU) to modernize and expand Morocco's national electricity grid. The announcement was made during a high-level visit to the 270 MW Jbel Lahdid wind farm in Essaouira province, a key project under Morocco's 1,000 MW Integrated Wind Energy Program, announced ONEE on Thursday. The financing, structured by the EIB (€170 million) and KfW (€130 million), aims to reinforce Morocco's electricity transmission network across 731 km, increasing its capacity by 1,850 MVA. The goal is to enhance the integration of renewable energy into the grid and support Morocco's energy and climate objectives, including the reduction of 390,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by 2030. The Jbel Lahdid wind farm, operational since October 2024, produces 952 GWh/year—enough to power 1.2 million people. It was co-financed by €200 million loans from both the EIB and KfW, along with a €15 million EU grant. This initiative is part of ONEE's ambitious €220 billion investment plan through 2030, with €177 billion allocated to the electricity sector. Projects include 12.5 GW of new renewable capacity, a 1,400 km «electric highway» between southern and central Morocco, and a stronger national grid to boost energy security and economic development. Officials from the EIB, EU, Germany, and KfW praised the project as a model of international cooperation under the EU-Morocco Green Partnership and the European Green Deal. They highlighted its role in supporting Morocco's transition to a low-carbon economy and positioning the country as a regional leader in clean energy. This partnership is further reinforced by the Mutual Reliance Initiative (MRI), under which the EIB leads project coordination to simplify procedures and accelerate implementation. The EU's guarantee mechanism also improves financing terms and impact. ONEE Director General Tarik Hamane welcomed the support, emphasizing Morocco's commitment to achieving 56% renewable electricity capacity by 2027. With over 12 GW installed and a 30,000 km grid, ONEE is a central actor in the country's energy transition. This financing follows the landmark 2022 EU-Morocco Green Partnership and the 2023 Green Energy program launched at COP28, both of which aim to advance reforms, market liberalization, and decarbonization in Morocco's energy sector.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mitsubishi Power secures major gas turbine and services order for Al Wahda Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant in Morocco
Once operational, Al Wahda Power Plant will generate a combined 990 MW, representing nearly 7% of Morocco's national grid capacity. Al Wahda Power Plant expected to begin operations in 2027. RABAT, Kingdom of Morocco – Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), announced today that it has won a major order in Morocco to supply two M701JAC gas turbines and auxiliary equipment for the Al Wahda Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant owned and operated by The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE). The Al Wahda Power Plant, located near Al Wahda Dam in the Province of Ouazzane in the north of Morocco, will play a crucial role in stabilizing the Moroccan national grid. This peaker power plant will integrate with the country's growing renewable energy resources, providing rapid response to grid fluctuations and ensuring continuous, reliable power supply. Once operational, the plant's two gas turbines will generate a combined 990 MW, representing nearly 7% of Morocco's national grid capacity. The agreement was signed in Rabat at ONEE's Headquarters, in the presence of ONEE CEO Mr. Tarik Hamane and a senior delegation from Mitsubishi Power attended by Mitsubishi Power EMEA President and CEO Javier Cavada and MENA President Khalid Salem alongside a senior delegation from the project's consortium partner, China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC). Mitsubishi Power's state-of-the-art M701JAC gas turbines, which are capable of co-firing hydrogen with natural gas, with industry-leading reliability and high efficiency rate, will support Morocco's long-term sustainability objectives by offering flexibility for future decarbonization. In addition, the Al Wahda Power Plant will play a pivotal role in stabilizing Morocco's national grid as the country continues to increase its share of renewable energy year by year. The plant is designed to operate with maximum availability, providing continuous power output to meet the country's growing energy demands and contributing to goal of reaching more than 52% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030. Mitsubishi Power's advanced gas turbines, which can handle rapid load variations and frequent start-ups and shutdowns, will ensure grid reliability without compromising the integrity of the equipment. This capability is vital as Morocco eyes additional integration for more intermittent renewable energy sources into its energy mix, further supporting the country's long-term energy strategy and sustainability goals. The Al Wahda Power Plant is expected to begin operation in 2027. In addition, Mitsubishi Power signed a long-term service agreement with ONEE for the provision of parts, repairs and services, to ensure high availability and sustained reliability of the equipment. Mr. Tarik Hamane, Chairman of The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), said: 'The Al Wahda Power Plant is a vital step in our energy strategy and through our partnership with Mitsubishi Power, we are pleased to harness the efficiencies and benefits of the company's gas turbine technology to drive operational excellence and sustainability. We are happy to partner with Mitsubishi Power on this project, as their cutting-edge technology will ensure that we meet our growing energy demands while integrating more renewable energy into the grid.' Mr. Lyu Zexiang, President of China Energy International Group Corporation Limited (CEIG), a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC), commented: 'We are excited to partner with Mitsubishi Power for the Al Wahda Power Plant, a landmark project. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, we are confident that the plant will deliver reliable and efficient power, establishing new benchmarks in both operational excellence and sustainability. Together, we are committed to delivering a power plant that will serve as a cornerstone for Morocco's energy future, ensuring stable and reliable electricity for years to come.' Javier Cavada, President and CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power, commented: 'We are proud to partner with The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) and CEEC on this milestone project that underscores our commitment to advancing the Kingdom of Morocco's energy infrastructure. As the country continues its bold journey towards increasing the share of renewable energy in its grid, the Al Wahda Power Plant will serve as a cornerstone in ensuring grid stability and reliable power generation. Our state-of-the-art M701JAC gas turbines, renowned for their efficiency and durability, will deliver continuous, dependable power even under the most demanding conditions, adapting seamlessly to the dynamic needs of the grid. This collaboration not only reinforces our dedication to delivering cutting-edge, hydrogen-ready solutions but also marks a significant step forward in supporting Morocco's broader vision for a sustainable, resilient energy future. We are excited to continue accelerating our ability to deliver clean, reliable and efficient power generation solutions that support our customers in powering the lives of communities in Morocco and across the region.' The Al Wahda Power Project marks a significant milestone in Morocco's energy journey and reinforces Mitsubishi Power's dedication to advancing clean, efficient power generation across the MENA region. About Mitsubishi Power Mitsubishi Power is a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Across more than 30 countries worldwide, Mitsubishi Power designs, manufactures and maintains equipment and systems that drive decarbonization and ensure delivery of reliable power around the world. Among its solutions are a wide range of gas turbines including hydrogen and ammonia-fueled gas turbines, and air quality control system (AQCS). Committed to providing exemplary service and working with customers to imagine the future of energy, Mitsubishi Power is also spearheading the development of the digital power plant through its suite of AI-enabled TOMONI® solutions. For more information, please visit
Ya Biladi
05-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco, Mauritania seal electrical interconnection agreement
In a significant move to bolster regional energy cooperation, the Director-General of Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Tarik Hamane, and the Director-General of the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC), Sidi Salem Mohaned Elabd, signed an agreement on Tuesday in Nouakchott. This agreement aims to develop and implement an electrical interconnection between Morocco and Mauritania. The signing ceremony was attended by Morocco's Ambassador to Mauritania, Hamid Chabar. Part of the Royal Atlantic Initiative, this Morocco-Mauritania electrical interconnection project is a significant advancement towards African integration and South-South cooperation. It promises to improve the reliability and performance of both countries' electricity networks and facilitate electricity exchanges between Morocco, Mauritania, and further between Europe and West Africa under the West African Power Pool (WAPP). This initiative also aims to harness the complementarities of the two countries' electricity networks, focusing on better integration and optimization of renewable energy resources. On this occasion, Tarik Hamane emphasized that the electrical interconnection project will unlock new opportunities in renewable energy, given the substantial potential in both countries. He noted that this initiative will enhance cooperation between the electricity networks, boost expertise, and facilitate exchanges between Morocco and Mauritania. Sidi Salem Mohaned Elabd highlighted that this interconnection marks a pivotal step aligned with the evolving realities of Mauritania's electricity system. He said it opens promising prospects for both nations, enabling them to strengthen connectivity with European and African energy markets.
