Morocco’s state-owned utility ONEE has secured $265 million to build a 300 MW/1,500 MWh pumped hydro storage plant, which is expected to support at least 1 GW of new solar and wind capacity.
From ESS News
The World Bank has approved a $265 million financial package for the Ifahsa project, which is being developed by Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Potable Water (ONEE). The total project cost is forecast at $500 million and is co-financed by the African Development Bank.
Located 14 km from Chefchaouen in the north of Morocco, Ifahsa will be connected to the 400 kV transmission network. The project will consist of two reversible pump-turbine units of 150 MW each operating with a maximum flow of 44 m³ per second in turbine mode, and 37 m³ per second in pumping mode.
Ifahsa is one of three pumped hydro storage assets developed by ONEE as part of a broader energy storage strategy which targets 1 GW of new pumped hydro by 2030. ONEE commissioned the 350 MW Abdelmoumen plant in 2024 and has a 362 MW plant under development in El Menzel. Increased BESS capacity is also planned and ONEE aims to procure 800 MW/1,600 MWh as part of its 2026 to 2030 master plan.
