A consortium led by French construction giant Vinci has been chosen to build the Abdelmoumen pumped storage hydroelectric plant (PSP) located 70km from Agadir, Morocco.
The pumped-storage scheme is part of the plan to develop and integrate renewable energies in Morocco.
Vinci will work with Austrian firm Andritz Hydro on the $339m contract.
The project covers construction surveys, civil engineering works, supply of materials and pumping equipment, assembly, testing and commissioning.
Vinci’s civil engineering works include earthworks for two reservoirs, excavation for the powerhouse to be embedded in the slope, and installation of the penstock pipe over a distance of 3km, including 1km underground.
Andritz Hydro will take charge of the electromechanical equipment, including two 175MW Francis turbines, developed in the company’s laboratory, and a high voltage substation.
A total of 840 people will be recruited for the project, including 780 hired locally.
Construction is due to be complete within two years.
