Morocco has kicked off a MAD 2.816 billion ($304.3 million) project to modernize the Fes Sports Complex. This modernization comes in as part of the country’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP) launched an international open tender for the project. This aims to transform the stadium into a modern and environmentally sustainable sports facility.
FIFA’s Sustainability Standards Compliance
According to the tender specifications, the upgraded complex must comply with FIFA’s sustainability standards for stadiums hosting major international events.
The project also targets “HQE Sustainable Infrastructure” certification. This places environmental performance at the center of the stadium’s design, construction, and operation.
Also, the modernization plan includes several measures designed to reduce the stadium’s environmental footprint.
Moreover, the project aims to achieve at least a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared with a standard design. Also, the measures include LED lighting, more efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and improved thermal insulation.
The Complex to Source Some of its Energy from Renewable Sources
Between 5% and 10% of the complex’s energy is also expected to come from renewable sources. A centralized technical management system will monitor and optimize energy consumption across the facility.
Water management is another major part of the project. The stadium aims to reduce water consumption by at least 40% through water-efficient equipment and the collection and reuse of rainwater and greywater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
Modernization Set to Strengthen Stadium’s Drainage System
The project also includes measures to strengthen the stadium’s drainage system against the effects of changing climate conditions.
The project places a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions during construction.
Contractors will be encouraged to use low-carbon materials, including low-carbon concrete, recycled steel reinforcement, and bio-based materials. Local sourcing will also be prioritized to reduce emissions linked to transportation.
A life-cycle assessment will be conducted to measure and reduce the carbon embedded in construction materials and processes.
The construction site will also operate under a low-impact charter covering waste management, erosion and sediment control, and air-quality management.
Other Upgrades
The upgraded Fes Sports Complex will also include requirements related to thermal and acoustic comfort, indoor air quality, and improved spaces for spectators, players, and staff.
The design will account for natural and climate-related risks, including extreme winds, while complying with Morocco’s seismic standards.
The project is part of Morocco’s wider infrastructure preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The country is also developing other stadium projects such as the Grand Stade de Hassan in preparations for the tournament. The country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
With an estimated investment of MAD 2.816 billion, the Fes Sports Complex modernization combines stadium redevelopment with sustainability, resource efficiency, accessibility, and improved visitor facilities as Morocco continues preparations for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Fes Sports Complex Modernization: Project Factsheet
Project Name: Fes Sports Complex Modernization Project (Grand Stade de Fès Upgrade)
Location: Fes, Kingdom of Morocco
Procuring Authority: National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP)
Contract / Tender Type: International Open Call for Tenders
Estimated Investment: MAD 2.816 Billion ($304.3 Million USD)
Bid Bond Requirement: MAD 40 Million
Primary Goal: FIFA-compliant venue upgrade for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup
Target Certification: HQE (High Environmental Quality) Sustainable Infrastructure
Environmental and Efficiency Targets
- Energy Reduction: At least 30% reduction in energy usage vs. standard baseline designs.
- Renewable Energy Integration: 5% to 10% of facility power sourced from renewables on-site.
- Water Savings: Minimum 40% reduction in water consumption via low-flow fixtures, rainwater collection, and greywater reuse for landscape irrigation.
- Smart Monitoring: Deployment of a Centralized Building Management System (BMS / CTM) for real-time energy tracking and optimization.
Construction & Carbon Reduction Strategy
- Low-Carbon Materials: Priority on low-carbon concrete, recycled steel rebar, and bio-based construction inputs.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Local material sourcing prioritized to minimize transport-related emissions.
- Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA): Comprehensive LCA mandatory to quantify and mitigate embedded carbon footprint.
- Site Management Charter: Low-impact construction protocol mandating erosion/sedimentation controls, air quality monitoring, and waste diversion/recycling.
Facility Improvements and Standards Compliance
- Standards Compliance: Full compliance with FIFA international tournament requirements and Moroccan seismic code.
- Climate Resilience: Upgraded stormwater drainage systems and structural adaptations against extreme winds and local weather risks.
- User Experience: Enhanced acoustic and thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) controls, and revamped zones for players, VIPs, media, and spectators.
- Multimodal Mobility: Enhanced connectivity to public transit networks, pedestrian pathways, and dedicated cycling tracks.
Project Team
Procuring Authority / Project Manager:National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP) (Agence Nationale des Équipements Publics) — The government entity overseeing the international call for tenders, bid evaluation, and environmental compliance monitoring.
Facility Owner and Asset Manager: SONARGES (Société Nationale de Réalisation et de Gestion des Équipements Sportifs) — Morocco’s national sports infrastructure management company, responsible for venue operations.
Governing Sports Bodies: FIFA and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Setting technical specifications, safety standards, and sustainability guidelines for World Cup host venues.
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