Moroccan power plant connected to electric grid, five months early

The third electricity unit of Jorf Lasfar power plant (230 km south of Rabat) was connected to the national electric grid last Monday, five months ahead of the initial scheduled planning.

This is the third of a group of four production plants, each with a capacity of 330-MGW, making up the Jorf Lasfar plant.

Under a contract signed in 1997, the Moroccan state-owned electricity company "ONE" had conceded for 30 years to Swiss-Swedish-U.S. consortium ABB/CMS energy group operating and maintaining the two first plants in addition to the building and maintenance of the 3rd and 4th plants.

Under the contract, power produced will be supplied to ONE.

The 1st and 2nd units cost $900 million while investments in the 3rd and 4th units are estimated at $620 million.

After completion next July, the compound is expected to supply half of Morocco's electricity production.