ONEE Plans a 220 Million Dirham Coal Purchase for the Jerada Power Plant
The National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) plans to acquire steam coal for an estimated amount of 220.45 million dirhams, aimed at supplying its thermal power plant in Jerada, located in the Oriental region. This fuel is essential for the operation of the coal-fired power generation unit, which has a capacity of 350 megawatts.
This operation is part of ONEE’s regular fuel procurement activities to ensure the proper functioning of its thermal facilities. The final cost of the supply will depend on several factors, including international coal prices, maritime transportation costs, port handling fees, and land transport to the plant.
Previous orders for the site included 160,000 tonnes at the end of 2025 and 200,000 tonnes in April 2026, highlighting the significant fuel requirements of this facility.
A 350 MW Power Plant Commissioned in 2017
Constructed by the Chinese company SEPCO III, the Jerada thermal power plant was commissioned in December 2017. Spanning approximately 19 hectares, it was designed to produce nearly 2,400 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.
In April 2022, ONEE estimated that the plant accounted for about 7% of the national electricity demand. Concurrently, development work is planned on the site, including the construction of a perimeter wall at an estimated cost of 6.06 million dirhams.
A Supply Dependent on Imports
The coal used by the plant is sourced from international markets, passing through the port of Nador before being transported overland to Jerada. The handling and storage facilities allow for the reception of fuel and the monitoring of its characteristics.
Historically supplied by coal extracted from the local mining basin, the plant now relies on imports due to the depletion and closure of the Jerada mining operations. Its supply remains closely tied to fluctuations in global prices and the logistical capabilities of the Oriental region.
