Abdelmoumen PSP: storing electric energy as hydroelectric energy

Working towards ambitious renewable energy targets in Morocco

Morocco aims to use wind and solar to power over half of its electricity mix by 2030. Renewable energy is a key part of the strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in accordance with the goal set in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

The problem, however, is that solar and wind power are intermittent energy sources, and depend on the sun shining or the wind blowing. It is therefore essential to develop solutions to store excess energy generated when weather conditions are favourable, so the surplus can then be fed into the grid when conditions deteriorate. PSPs, which adjust electricity supply and demand, have emerged as one of the most effective energy storage solutions. 

The Abdelmoumen PSP is therefore crucial for Morocco to reach its targets for the energy transition.

Designing the Abdelmoumen PSP from A to Z

Located in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, the Abdelmoumen PSP was built on land that was almost entirely undeveloped. The project was awarded to a consortium led by VINCI Construction Grands Projets and involving German and Austrian subsidiaries of electromechanical group Andritz Hydro.

The teams working on the project started by designing new roads to open access to the various project sites. Two reservoirs were then built, separated by a steep slope and connected by a pipe system leading to the pumping and turbine plant in between the reservoirs. The plant was commissioned in 2023.