Magharebia

A new thermal power plant in Bir El Har, south of Safi, is expected to meet 27% of Morocco's electricity needs, MAP quoted Energy Minister Amina Benkhadra as saying at a meeting with local government officials and businessmen in the province. At an estimated cost of 20 billion dirhams, the plant will have a production capacity of 1,320 MW. Benkhadra stressed that 3.5 billion dirhams, or 18% of the total project cost, has been earmarked to reduce the plant's negative effects on the environment. The project is expected to create 150 direct and 450 indirect jobs. It is to be completed in 42 months.