SQL/DB Error -- [Unknown table engine 'InnoDB']

afrol News, 16 June - Morocco has secured a sizeable investment in its wind farm initiative, as part of a response to the country's energy needs, using renewable sources.

The deal comes following conclusion of a strategic partnership, between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), and Paris based THEOLIA, a leader in production of electricity from wind energy, for construction and operation of a 300 MW wind farm located in Tarfaya, Morocco.

Morocco has since early 1990s undertook studies on Atlantic coast and north-east part of the country to explore suitable locations for wind farming. The country has some of meanest wind velocity locations measured at about 11.5 m/s at a height of 40m.

The new deal will also enhance studies on possibility of optimizing wind sites in Morocco, in the Abdelkhalek Torres wind farm near the current site. According to the new partnership, completion of studies could offer a double opportunity, being possible repowering of 84mw turbines commissioned in 2000 and possible extension of the wind farm by several hundred additional MWs.

Commenting following sealing the deal, both companies' leadership expressed high hopes in placing renewable wind farms energy in emerging markets.

"Today's announcement is a real milestone for TAQA; it marks our first step into renewable energy. Our strategy is to diversify across the energy value chain in different territories, and by joining forces with THEOLIA, we feel that we are in a good position to bid for new wind farm capacity," said Mr Peter Barker-Homek, Chief Executive Officer of TAQA.

He further said the deal was truly in line with the company's growth strategy and vision.

Jean-Marie Santander, Chairman and CEO of THEOLIA, was also optimistic, saying "This alliance confirms the development strategy of THEOLIA in emerging markets. Together, THEOLIA's expertise and TAQA's strength will give birth to a major player in the production of electricity from renewable energy in Morocco and the emerging markets in general."

The government-controlled Taqa, one of the largest energy investment companies in the Middle East, owns and operates a 1,356 mw thermal power station in Morocco, which provides half of the country's electricity.

Though financial details of the new deal were not disclosed, reports have hailed it as one of milestones towards Morocco meeting its energy production targets.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Tweet

Printable version

On the Afrol News front page now

UN will not monitor human rights in Western Sahara afrol News - The US has backed down on its demand that UN peacekeepers in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara also shall monitor the human rights situation after Moroccan sources threatened to scale down relations with Washington. Read more

Central African Republic

Central African Republic falling apart afrol News - One month after the rebel movement Séléka took over power in the Central African Republic, unrest is spreading in the country. The new leader lacks control of his forces, which continue looting and abusing civilians. Read more

Kenya

Kenyatta secures tight victory in Kenya afrol News - The official election results in Kenya have finally been announced, and Uhuru Kenyatta managed to win the first poll round outright with a narrow 50.7 percent. But the main opponent, PM Raila Odinga, is filing a vote rigging complaint to the courts. Read more

Cape Verde Cape Verde to produce dragon fruit afrol News - Cape Verde authorities have invested large sums to diversify the arid country's agricultural sector. Now, the dragon fruit, originating in tropical America, is being introduced for the first commercial production in Africa. Read more

Egypt Even governors in Pharaonic Egypt died in their 20s afrol News - Researchers have analysed more than 200 mummies from ancient Egypt, finding that even high dignitaries were poorly nourished and had infectious diseases. The typical governor in Pharaonic Egypt died before he was 30 years old. Read more