Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), a global energy company, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Theolia, a leader in the production of electricity from wind energy, thus marking its foray into renewable energy sector in Morocco.

The agreement aims to create a consortium of these two prequalified companies to respond jointly to the international invitation to tender for the construction and operation of a 300 MW wind farm located in Tarfaya, Morocco.

Taqa and Theolia have agreed to a joint partnership in the Compagnie Eolienne du Détroit (CED), including studying the possibility of optimizing wind sites in Morocco, notably the Abdelkhalek Torres wind farm near the current site of CED.

The CED site is located in the North of Morocco and enjoys excellent wind conditions, thus offering a double opportunity - the possible repowering of the 84 turbines commissioned in 2000 and the possible extension of the wind farm by several hundred additional MWs (1).

Taqa and Theolia are two major players in the production of electricity in Morocco. Taqa, which owns and operates a 1,356 MW thermal power station, provides about half of the annual electricity production of the Kingdom, while Theolia, with its 50.4 MW wind farm, is the leading producer of electricity from wind energy in Morocco.

With this alliance, the duo display their confidence in the potential of the renewable energy sector in Morocco and the emerging markets in general, said a Taqa official.

Peter Barker-Homek, chief executive officer of Taqa, said: 'Today’s announcement is a real milestone for Taqa as it marks our first step into renewable energy.'

'Our strategy is to diversify across the energy value chain in different territories, and by joining forces with Theolia in CED we feel that we are in a good position to bid for the new wind farm capacity.  This is truly in line with our growth strategy and my vision for the company.'

Jean-Marie Santander, chairman and CEO of Theolia, said the alliance confirmed the development strategy of Theolia in the emerging markets.

'Together, Theolia's expertise and Taqa’s strength will give birth to a major player in the production of electricity from renewable energy in Morocco and the emerging markets in general,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service