Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, the Middle East’s largest power generation and water desalination company, is looking to expand its footprint in Morocco by strengthening its renewable energy portfolio and moving into new sectors, including seawater desalination and green hydrogen.
Omar Alaoui Mhamdi, the company’s general manager in Morocco, told Asharq that the kingdom offers significant potential for clean energy development thanks to its diverse natural resources. He said ACWA Power sees promising opportunities in the Moroccan market, particularly in wind and solar energy, as well as in projects linked to the green economy.
During a visit to the Khalladi wind farm on Jbel Sendouq in northern Morocco, Mhamdi said the facility generates around 375 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of nearly 400,000 people. He added that the company recently secured approval to increase the plant’s capacity by about 40 megawatts, through an investment of nearly MAD 550 million.
The expansion, expected to be completed within the next two years, is intended to meet growing demand from Moroccan industries for electricity generated from renewable sources.
Khalladi is one of ACWA Power’s flagship projects in Morocco and is considered a benchmark for operational performance and financing. According to the company, the wind farm achieved an operational availability rate of more than 99% last year, exceeding its contractual targets.
ACWA Power has become one of the leading investors in Morocco’s clean energy sector. Its portfolio includes the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, the Khalladi wind farm, and two solar plants in Laayoune and Boujdour, representing total investments of around $3 billion.
The Moroccan government has also selected ACWA Power among the first group of investors in the kingdom’s green hydrogen program. The company is currently in discussions with Moroccan authorities over additional projects aimed at supporting the energy transition and reinforcing Morocco’s position as a regional hub for renewable energy.
