The planned battery energy storage system (BESS) near the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex will replace less reliable thermal salt storage with advanced lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
Morocco is preparing to launch a massive foray into clean energy with its ambitious 1.6 GW BESS projects. The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) is expected to invite tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) totaling nearly 1,600MW.
What are Morocco's Bess projects?
Morocco's 1.6 GW BESS projects represent a key step in its clean energy ambitions. The facilities will electrify key urban areas and firm up the grid. Although the initial focus is in the northwest, the government aims nationwide. Furthermore, the projects align with Morocco's ambitions to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
What does Bess stand for?
The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) is expected to invite tenders for battery energy storage systems (BESS) totaling nearly 1,600MW. Furthermore, the action is in line with Morocco's plan to develop more renewable energy infrastructure.
Where will ONEE's Bess plants be built?
The BESS facilities will be constructed in Northwest Morocco, supplying electricity to Kenitra and the surrounding areas. However, despite the urgency and scale, ONEE has not yet appointed a transaction adviser to assist with the process. This is ONEE's first attempt at securing BESS plants independently.
Who is pursuing a solar-independent power project in Riyadh?
Meanwhile, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) is also in contention. It recently tendered for solar-independent power projects with battery storage. Riyadh-headquartered Acwa Power led the winning bids for the Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects, each 400MW of solar with attached BESS.