Morocco launches tender for 362 MW El Menzel pumped storage plant

Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has launched an international tender for the construction of the El Menzel Pumped Storage Power Station (STEP), a 362 MW energy storage facility located about 35 kilometers southeast of Sefrou in the Fès-Meknès region.

The project, to be carried out under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) turnkey contract, covers detailed engineering studies, equipment supply, construction, installation and commissioning. According to ONEE, the facility will strengthen the flexibility, stability and security of Morocco's electricity system by storing surplus renewable energy through pumped hydro technology and releasing it when demand rises.

The 48-month project is financed by the Islamic Development Bank. It forms part of ONEE's strategy to expand Morocco's energy storage capacity alongside the Afourer (464 MW) and Abdelmoumen (350 MW) pumped storage plants already in operation, and the future Ifahsa (300 MW) facility currently under development. Bids for the project must be submitted by September 30, 2026.