According to recent reports from Moroccan media outlets including 'Al-Massachusetts', Morocco's National Authority for Water and Electricity (ONEE) is accelerating a strategic energy infrastructure project: the construction of a 1200 MW natural gas combined cycle power plant in the Nador region, scheduled to be operational by 2029.
The project is located in the Iaazanen area near the port of Nador West Med, covering approximately 50 hectares, and includes two gas turbine units of approximately 600 MW each. The power plant will use natural gas as fuel and will be connected to the port's gas storage facilities via a 3.3 km gas pipeline, ensuring a stable fuel supply. In terms of technical performance, the power plant employs combined cycle technology, achieving an energy efficiency of up to 62%, and can adjust power generation according to actual needs, combining high efficiency with flexible adjustment capabilities.
Although natural gas power generation is not a renewable energy source, its carbon emissions are far lower than those of coal and oil.
Furthermore, it possesses rapid adjustment and flexible start-up and shutdown capabilities, effectively balancing the fluctuations of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, ensuring grid stability, and supporting the large-scale grid integration of renewable energy. Therefore, it plays a transitional and safeguarding role in the overall energy structure. Consequently, this project is an important component of Morocco's energy strategy, aiming to help the country achieve its goal of increasing the proportion of renewable energy to 52% by 2030.
