Morocco to Build Africa’s First Offshore Windfarm Near Its ‘Windy City’

Morocco has launched Africa’s first offshore wind project, a 1GW wind farm off the coast of Essaouira, announced during a UN conference in Nice, France, in June 2025. Located on the Atlantic coast, the project leverages Essaouira’s consistent winds, averaging 11 m/s, to generate renewable energy, capitalizing on the region’s nickname, the “Windy City of Morocco.”

Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister for Energy Transition, stated: “The project is part of a dynamic that combines energy independence, industrial attractiveness, and economic competitiveness.” The initiative aligns with Morocco’s goal to achieve 52% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030, building on the country’s 2.4GW of onshore wind capacity recorded last year.

Supported by the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, a fund backed by the Union for the Mediterranean’s 43 member countries, the project promotes sustainable maritime development. The partnership fosters the “blue economy,” emphasizing environmentally friendly economic activities. A $2.1 million loan from the European Investment Bank in 2024 facilitated a feasibility study, managed by the Moroccan Renewable Energy Agency, to assess the project’s viability.

Morocco’s 3,500 km coastline offers significant potential, with the World Bank estimating up to 200GW of offshore wind capacity. The Essaouira project marks a key step toward energy sustainability, harnessing the Atlantic’s strong winds driven by rising air from the Sahara. This development enhances Morocco’s renewable energy infrastructure and supports regional economic growth.