Moroccan nuclear power project approved01/12/2005The International Atomic Energy Agency has determined Sidi Boulbra is suitable to become the site of the first Moroccan nuclear power plant. The plant will have an estimated output of 700 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts. By Hassan Benmehdi for Magharebia in Casablanca -12/01/05[File] Morocco is turning to nuclear power to meet its future energy needs As part of its policy of primary energy resource diversification and electricity production capacity development, Morocco has conducted site and feasibility studies for its first nuclear power plant, taking into consideration current economic facts and the need to develop nuclear reactor technology compatible with the size of the national grid by 2016 or 2017.The feasibility studies were carried out in close partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The studies looked at the technical and economic aspects of the project, as well as safety, environmental protection, the participation of national industry, and public information. The main conclusions were issued in a final report written by IAEA experts. The Sidi Boulbra site is on the Atlantic coast, halfway between the cities of Safi and Essaouira, on the north bank of the mouth of the Mzar River.The IAEA raised no questions about the qualification of the site. The agency supports technically-proven and commercially-available reactors to be included in the Moroccan nuclear power project. The optimal date for introduction of the first nuclear power generating unit, with an output of 700 megawatts to 1000 megawatts into the national grid, would be by 2017.the nuclear option is more advantageous The economic comparison with carbon technology shows that the nuclear option is more advantageous for implementation from this date. The research and selection process for the Sidi Boulbra site and the detailed studies to which it was subjected were conducted by the French company SOFRATOME with the participation of several Moroccan organisations and under the leadership of the IAEA.The project will require an investment of up to 15 billion dirhams. The American firm General Atomics Corporation will oversee the supply of nuclear reactors for peaceful and scientific uses.Moroccan personnel, technicians and nuclear energy engineers slated to work at the nuclear power station have received training in the United States, France and Malaysia. While the technical side of the site is finally ready, the political decision-making drags on.Regulatory considerations have not been finalised. The government is preparing the appropriate legal texts needed to cover the role, mission and operating framework of nuclear reactors. The regulatory documents are expected to be ready before the end of the year.The introduction of nuclear power-generation to less industrialised countries could form the basis of a solution for replacing fossil fuels to meet future energy supply needs.//en.yabiladi.com/topics/moroccan-nuclear-power-project-approved-44-865895-865895.html#msg-865895 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:02:51 +0200 Phorum 5.2.15