Wind Turbine Blades: Chinese Ailong Technology to open its 1st overseas plant in Morocco

Ailong Technology,a Chinese company specializing in wind turbine blade manufacturing,is preparing to open its first overseas factory in Nador,Northeastern Morocco,according to press reports.

The $340 million plant,located in the industrial zone near the Nador West Mediterranean port,has been built over a 50-hectare area. This project,which is expected to create around 3,320 jobs,is part of Morocco’s drive to bolster renewable energy and industrial development,leveraging its strategic location and expanding industrial infrastructures.

The Chinese company pointed out when it launched the plant construction works in January 2024 that the launch of Aeolon’s production activities outside China is an important step in the company’s quest for operational excellence and improved competitiveness. Morocco was chosen as the location for the new plant for a number of key reasons. Firstly,the country offers remarkable political and economic stability,enabling Aeolon to concentrate fully on its production activities. In addition,Morocco has a highly qualified and young workforce,further strengthening the company’s competitiveness,the company had said.

Aeolon expressed confidence that this expansion outside China would significantly improve the efficiency of the industry’s supply chain,reducing the logistical costs associated with wind turbine blades thanks to Morocco’s strategic geographical location.

The company said it was keen to continue working with national players in the renewable energy sector and to contribute to the sustainable growth of the wind energy industry in Morocco.

By the end of 2024,Morocco’s wind energy capacity reached 2,373 MW,making it the second-largest wind energy producer in Africa,behind South Africa.

Morocco has an estimated onshore wind potential of 25 GW,with 6 GW targeted for installation by 2030. The country’s 3,500 km coastline,particularly along the Atlantic coast and in regions like Tangier,Tetouan,Essaouira,and Dakhla,experiences high wind speeds (7.5–11 m/s),ideal for wind energy generation. Offshore wind potential is estimated at 200 GW,with 11% fixed and 89% floating.

Morocco targets 52% renewable energy by 2030,with wind power contributing 4.1 GW. Wind projects create jobs,boost local manufacturing,and improve infrastructure,such as new roads connecting rural communities.