Description
Project Name : Oualidia
Project owner : Innovent
Standard: Verra VCS
Project ID: 1989
The Oualidia wind farm is located in the Sidi Bennour province and spread on a 10 hectares field. It is the result of a circular economy vision, it’s the first project using refurbished wind turbines in the country, the site re-uses 10 former Finnish turbines fully renovated for redeployment in Morocco. The turbines were used for 8 years in Finland before being redeployed in the country. Oualidia is also home to the tallest wind turbine in Africa (202 meters). Innovent (the project owner) partnered with spanish company Nabrawind to install their innovative system called Nabralift. This innovative tripod structure raises the mast in order to reach higher wind speeds. This system allows the wind turbine to gain up to 40% in energy generation. Thanks to the extra height, the turbine will produce extra electricity for 2,500 people in Morocco. The Nabralift system requires only 80 m3 of concrete and 10 tonnes of steel, compared to the 500 m3 of concrete and 60 tonnes of steel needed for a conventional wind turbine.
For more than a decade, they have worked to address the issues relating to development, construction and operation of wind power plant. They are an experienced company which has earned its place in the renewable energy sector.
Impact
Oualidia is home to the tallest wind turbine in Africa.
The project is a business case of African excellence and innovation. It paves the way on other groundbreaking initiatives in the field of clean energy across the continent.
The plant was build through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project was the first to introduce refurbished wind turbines in the country after they were fully renovated.
Innovent used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired 150 people for the construction phase and relies on local technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Morocco targeted 4,000 MW of solar and wind capacity by 2020.
The project is helping the country to reach its target by producing green electricity.
CSR Action
Innovent is committed to work with governments by offering and installing solar panels for the local communities to help them meet their energy needs. Innovent has made more than €1500,000 in donations.
Innovent also supports the music project Muzukidz in communities in southern Africa, giving violin courses to kids promoting well-being and integration in the society.
Innovent funds the reforestation of lands. The reforested area allows some animal species to find refuge and to flourish again.
