Major project to valorize Casablanca's waste

Morocco is embarking on a significant project in Casablanca to harness energy from waste, a venture Portuguese news outlet "jornalptgreen" highlighted as one of Africa's largest of its kind. The estimated investment for this initiative stands at approximately 1.3 billion euros.

The facility, described as the first integrated waste treatment and energy recovery plant in Morocco, will be situated near the Mediouna landfill. It is designed to process around 1.5 million tons of urban waste each year, generating close to 1 terawatt-hour of electricity. This endeavor is poised to revolutionize urban waste management for the Greater Casablanca region, home to over 4.2 million residents.

The project's primary goals include raising the waste valorization rate to about 80%, thereby reducing reliance on landfilling. Furthermore, it aims to bolster the kingdom's energy transition efforts. During its construction phase, expected to last about three and a half years, the project will create approximately 1,240 jobs, with an additional 300 positions linked to parallel infrastructure development. Once operational, around 140 permanent, skilled jobs are anticipated.

This ambitious undertaking is a collaborative effort between Morocco's Nareva company, Switzerland's Kanadevia Inova, and Japan's Itochu Corporation. The partners have signed a concession contract with the Casablanca commune and electricity sales agreements with the regional multi-service company of Casablanca-Settat and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, according to a statement from the Swiss company. The facility will boast a combined installed electrical capacity of 126 megawatts, complemented by a 50-megawatt peak solar photovoltaic plant and a 4-megawatt biogas recovery system from the landfill, collectively capable of powering roughly one million people.