Morocco’s 1.6 GW ONEE BESS projects continue to advance as the country strengthens its electricity storage infrastructure to support renewable energy expansion. Since the initial announcement, the national utility has continued preparations for the landmark programme, although the projects remain in the procurement and development stage. The initiative complements Morocco’s broader clean energy strategy, which now also includes the $1.3 billion Morocco battery gigafactory project that recently secured a $114 million financing package from the African Development Bank. Together, the two developments aim to establish a complete battery manufacturing and energy storage ecosystem.
The proposed battery storage plants will have a combined capacity of 1.6 GW and are expected to improve grid reliability while enabling greater integration of renewable power. According to industry reports, the facilities are planned for northwest Morocco, where they will supply electricity to Kenitra and surrounding regions. However, the projects have not yet reached construction, with procurement activities still underway.
Current status of the ONEE BESS projects
The projects remain under development in 2026. Morocco’s national electricity and water utility, ONEE, continues preparing the procurement framework for the country’s first independently developed battery energy storage plants. Industry sources indicate that the utility had not yet appointed a transaction adviser during the latest reported phase, meaning construction contracts have not yet been awarded.
Once implemented, the battery storage facilities will store excess renewable electricity during periods of high generation and discharge power during peak demand. This will improve grid stability while supporting Morocco’s growing portfolio of solar and wind projects.
The initiative forms part of Morocco’s wider transition toward a low-carbon electricity system. As renewable generation continues to expand, battery storage has become increasingly important for balancing intermittent power production and improving network resilience.
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Morocco’s ONEE BESS Projects Target Ambitions
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. With solar, wind, and hydro targets already committed to, storage is the next piece required. The BESS underpins energy reliability and facilitates greater utilization of intermittent wind and solar.
The entry of Masen and international companies such as Acwa Power indicates keen interest in the sector. ONEE is still keen on appointing a transaction adviser as a key milestone in the project. Morocco’s 1.6 GW BESS projects demonstrate the country’s resolve to be at the forefront of clean energy. As planning continues, hopes are high for timely implementation and long-term impact. The success of these initiatives is expected to serve as a model for future projects across the region.
Project fact sheet
Project: Morocco 1.6 GW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Projects
Country: Morocco
Project type: Grid-scale battery energy storage
Total planned capacity: 1.6 GW
Project status (2026): Procurement and project development ongoing
Construction status: Not yet commenced
Planned location: Northwest Morocco
Primary service area: Kenitra and surrounding regions
Purpose: Grid stabilization and renewable energy integration
Client: Office National de l’Électricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE)
Procurement model: Independent battery energy storage projects
Strategic objective: Strengthen Morocco’s electricity storage capacity and support renewable energy expansion.
Project team
Project owner: Office National de l’Électricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE)
Country: Kingdom of Morocco
Implementing authority: ONEE
Supporting sector: Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development
Technology: Grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Transaction adviser: Yet to be appointed (latest reported status)
EPC contractor(s): To be appointed following procurement
Equipment supplier(s): To be selected during tender process
Investors/IPP developers: To be identified during procurement.
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