Dakhla thermal power plant receives certification for its environmental management

ONEE reinforces its commitment to reducing ecological impacts and optimising energy consumption
<p>Torres de enfriamiento de las centrales eléctricas de Kriel y Matla, centrales a carbón de la empresa de servicios públicos sudafricana Eskom - REUTERS/SIPHIWE SIBEKO&nbsp;</p>
Cooling towers at the Kriel and Matla coal-fired power plants of South African utility Eskom - REUTERS/SIPHIWE SIBEKO

The Kingdom of Morocco's ongoing effort to integrate sustainability into its national policies has borne further fruit. The thermal power plants of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) in the southern regions of the country have been recognised with a prestigious certification following the successful implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS).

According to La Vie Éco, this certification, obtained after a comprehensive audit process, confirms that the plants have met strict standards in operational, support and process management. The audit focused on assessing how the plants manage their environmental impact, highlighting the reduction of emissions, optimisation of energy use and responsible waste management. 

Vista de la carretera que conduce al puerto pesquero de Dakhla, Sahara Occidental - AP/MOSAAB ELSHAMY
View of the road leading to the fishing port of Dakhla, Western Sahara - AP/MOSAAB ELSHAMY

According to ONEE, this certification reflects the entity's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. "This distinction is a testament to the collective effort of all employees, who have shown a remarkable involvement by taking initiatives that seek to constantly improve environmental practices," the office said.

This recognition is in line with Morocco's strategic vision, which prioritises sustainable development as a fundamental pillar of its national policy. The goal is to strike a balance between economic growth and the protection of the natural environment, an objective that is reflected in the management of the country's thermal power plants. 

Planta eléctrica - REUTERS/CHRIS ALUKA BERRY
Electric power plant - REUTERS/CHRIS ALUKA BERRY

The Dakhla plant, with an installed capacity of 76 MW, has become the third plant in the south of the country to receive this certification, following in the footsteps of the Tan-Tan plant, with 115.5 MW, which was recognised in March 2023, and the Laayoune plant, with 93 MW, which obtained the same certification in February 2024.

This achievement underlines Morocco's leadership in adopting responsible energy practices, reaffirming its commitment to continue moving towards a development model that respects and preserves the environment for future generations.