Germany to assist Morocco develop wind power

Germany will assist Morocco develop its renewable energy programs and mainly wind power projects.

Under an accord signed lately with the Moroccan center of renewable energies, the German Wind power Institute "DEWI" pledged to make Morocco benefit from the German experiences and know-how in environment-friendly power generation and exploitation.

Morocco is currently building its first windpower plant in the northern region. The 50.4 megawatt (MW) plant, to cost about $ 64 million plant, will be operational in 1999 and will produce about two percent of Morocco's energy needs.

Meanwhile, The European Investment Bank lent Morocco about $ 9 Million destined for some cleansing projects in the city of Settat.

The loan accord was signed Tuesday in Luxembourg by Moroccan ambassador to Brussels, Rachad Bouhlal, and the EIB deputy chairwoman, Ms. Ariane Obolensky.

The loan will be paid back in 15 years including a three-year grace period.