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ONEE launches tender for El Menzel pumped-storage power plant
via Le Matin2 min read
The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water ONEE has issued an international call for tenders for the El Menzel Pumped-Storage Energy Transfer Station STEP. Located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Sefrou in the Fès-Meknès region, this project aligns with the national energy strategy. The turnkey contract covers execution studies, equipment supply, construction, installation, and commissioning. Pumped-storage plants are crucial for balancing electricity supply and demand, especially with the growth of renewable energy. This technology stores energy by transferring water between two basins at different levels, releasing it during peak consumption to stabilize the grid. The El Menzel project will enhance Morocco's hydraulic energy storage capacity, complementing existing STEPs like Afourer 464 MW and Abdelmoumen 350 MW, and the future Ifahsa STEP 300 MW. This infrastructure portfolio supports the integration of renewable energies and strengthens the Moroccan electrical system's resilience. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months, funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The deadline for bids is September 30, 2026. This tender is a significant step for ONEE in developing national electricity storage and flexibility infrastructure, reinforcing its role in ensuring supply security, energy sovereignty, and sustainable development for the Kingdom.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
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