As Morocco accelerates its expansion in electricity production from solar and wind energy, the challenge is no longer limited to increasing production capacity, but is also linked to the network’s ability to store, transmit, and provide electricity when demand is high. Between the fluctuations in production and the need to ensure the stability of supplies, storage stands out as one of the essential pillars for accelerating the energy transition.
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The fluctuation in solar and wind energy production does not mean that it threatens the stability of the grid itself, but rather that the expansion of their use requires the development of flexible means to deal with the difference in production according to the hours of the day and weather conditions.
Baali Al-Saghir, an engineer, energy expert, and head of the Water and Energy for All Association, explained that developing storage methods has become necessary to keep pace with the continuous growth in demand for electricity, which he estimates at about 7 percent, in addition to enhancing the network's flexibility and reliability.
The expert explains that pumped-storage hydroelectric plants use available electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper one, then recirculate it through turbines to generate electricity when demand rises, especially during peak evening hours. This technology allows for the utilization of surplus production during periods of low consumption; however, its viability depends on construction and operating costs, plant efficiency, and the geographical and hydrological characteristics of the chosen sites.
According to the data provided by Ali Sghir, Morocco has two water pumping and storage stations: the Afourar station with a capacity of 464 megawatts, and the Abdelmoumen station with a capacity of 350 megawatts, for a total of 814 megawatts.
The program includes investments of AED 104 billion (approximately $10.4 billion) to develop renewable electricity production capacities, adding 11.6 gigawatts of such capacity, along with 2.6 gigawatts of storage capacity.
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