OCP Green Energy, a subsidiary of the OCP Group, has activated the first phase of its energy investment program with the entry into operation of 3 solar plants totaling 202 megawatt peak (MWp). They are located in Benguerir (67 MWp), Foum Tizi (30 MWp) and Oulad Farès (105 MWp), the latter considered the largest photovoltaic plant in operation in Morocco.
The new plants are already supplying electricity to several mining operations. mining and industrial operations and industrial operations, including the production of customized fertilizers.
Clean energy for mines and fertilizers
The electricity generated covers a substantial part of the energy consumption in OCP’s mines and factories, allowing it to stabilize costs and make progress on its environmental commitments. The estimated cost of electricity production is around 368 MAD/MWh, a competitive figure.
In addition to supplying the mines, energy is also directed to infrastructure such as desalination plants operated by OCP Green Water and strategic business units such as SBU Manufacturing and SPS (Specialized Products and Solutions).
First LFP battery system in Morocco
In parallel, OCP Green Energy has started the execution of the first phase of its battery energy storage system (BESS). battery energy storage system (BESS)which will have a capacity of 25 MW/125 MWh and an autonomy of 5 hours by 2026. It will enable the storage of solar energy during the day to be used during peak demand hours, reducing intermittency and improving grid stability.
Institutional support and international financing
The development of these infrastructures was authorized by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and complies with the current legal framework for self-production, under the supervision of ANRE. The connection agreements signed with ONEE allow the transmission of electricity generated to different industrial centers of the group.
The project received a financial boost with the injection of 100 million euros from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), backed by the World Bank Group. In addition to this investment, the German KfW and contributions from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), in collaboration with the African Development Bank, are specifically supporting the development of the storage system.
On course for 1.2 GW in 2027
With the first phase already in operation, OCP Green Energy reaffirms its goal of reaching 1.2 GW of renewable capacity by 2027 and exceeding 2 GW in the following years, including more than 2 GWh of storage capacity.
This development is part of the OCP Group’s energy transition strategy, which aims to cover 100 % of its industrial electricity needs with renewable sources sources by 2027 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Source: OCP Group