Image:Siemens Gamesa
Installation works are underway to repower the Koudia Al Baida wind power plant near Tetouan in northern Morocco, marking a milestone in Africa’s transition to renewable energy through wind repowering. The repowering of Koudia Al Baida, Morocco’s first-ever wind power plant originally commissioned in 1999, stands as Africa’s most ambitious wind repowering project to date. Led by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) and EDF Renewables, and executed by Siemens Gamesa, this public-private collaboration has doubled the site’s energy capacity from 50 MW to 100 MW—using fewer turbines.
The original 90 aging turbines have been replaced with just 20 modern units from Siemens Gamesa, each capable of generating nine times the energy output of the older models. The result: a major increase in renewable capacity, reduced land use, and a leaner operational footprint.
This project exemplifies the strategic advantage of wind repowering—upgrading rather than rebuilding. With over 1,047 GW of installed wind capacity worldwide and many turbines reaching the end of their lifecycle, repowering offers a cost-effective, efficient path forward. Global wind capacity is projected to surpass 3,500 GW by 2030, and repowering is expected to play a key role in achieving that goal.
Financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a group of local and international banks, the project also highlights how repowering is becoming increasingly viable through blended finance models. The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) work was carried out under Siemens Gamesa’s leadership, reflecting the growing presence of global OEMs in emerging market transitions.
At a time when the industry is focusing on decarbonization without expansion in land usage, fewer turbines with greater efficiency are an appealing prospect. For stakeholders in the project logistics and breakbulk cargo sectors, fewer turbines also mean simpler transport and installation processes—significantly lowering overall project complexity and freight volumes.
Beyond energy generation, Koudia Al Baida prioritizes sustainability in decommissioning. Lattice and tubular towers were transported to local foundries for recycling. Key components such as nacelles, gearboxes, and generators were refurbished and repurposed as spare parts. The recycling of the turbine blades, made from epoxy and glass fiber, posed a greater challenge. A specialized shredder was brought to Morocco to grind the blades, enabling the material to be reused in cement manufacturing.
In a sector often focused on CAPEX and OPEX, the project also highlights the importance of ABEX—Abandonment Expenditures. These include the costs of dismantling, waste management, recycling, and site restoration. Efficient ABEX management at Koudia Al Baida showcases how responsible decommissioning can complement repowering to deliver financial and environmental performance.
According to Wood Mackenzie, global repowering capacity could reach 89 GW by 2026. Yet, only 11 GW in projects have been formally announced, leaving substantial room for growth. In Africa, Koudia Al Baida remains the only repowering project scheduled before 2032, emphasizing its regional significance.
In addition to its technical and environmental achievements, the project is investing in human capital. Eleven decommissioned turbines—including nacelles, hubs, blades, and electrical transformers—were donated for training purposes. One unit went to the local Faculty of Science, another to the Institute for Training in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (IFMEREE), and nine to the Office of Vocational Training and Labour Promotion (OFPPT).
These donations support Morocco’s efforts to develop a skilled renewable energy workforce. At the IFMEREE Tangier training center, students now train on full-scale turbine components, bridging the gap between theory and fieldwork. For a region eyeing renewable energy as a pillar of its economic development, this investment in workforce education is as important as the technology itself.
As demand for renewable energy accelerates, the Koudia Al Baida repowering initiative offers a replicable model for aging wind farms around the world—improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening local capacity through sustainable practices.
Source:Siemens Gamesa
