Koudia Al Baida: Siemens Gamesa pioneers wind repowering in Africa

Installation works to repower Koudia Al Baida wind power plant near Tetouan, in northern Morocco.

Casablanca / 20 June 2025

Repowering has emerged as a critical solution to meet the world’s increasing renewable energy demands while reducing land use, material consumption, and costs. On a global scale, repowering could significantly enhance the world’s wind energy capacity, especially given that many existing wind farms are nearing the end of their operational life. Replacing older, less efficient turbines with modern, high-performance models maximizes energy output and minimizes the environmental footprint.

One striking example of this potential is Morocco’s recently commissioned Koudia Al Baida project, Africa’s first large-scale wind repowering initiative. Originally commissioned in 1999 as Morocco’s first wind power plant the site, it has now been revitalized by a public-private partnership of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) and EDF Renewables. Upgraded with Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbines, its capacity has doubled from 50 MW to 100 MW. This achievement highlights the transformative power of repowering, demonstrating how fewer, newer turbines can generate more energy, leading to a more efficient and sustainable renewable energy infrastructure.

The project is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) along with a consortium of local and international banks, while the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract was led by Siemens Gamesa.

The global context: repowering’s expansive potential

With over 1,047 GW of installed wind capacity worldwide, many turbines are nearing the end of their operational life. The global wind power capacity is expected to exceed 3,500 GW by 2030, but repowering is a crucial piece of this expansion. It is a cost-effective way to enhance wind energy output and a faster alternative to building new wind farms.

At Koudia Al Baida, 90 outdated turbines, generating a total of 50 MW, were replaced with just 20 modern Siemens Gamesa turbines, effectively doubling the capacity to 100 MW.

This remarkable leap in efficiency means that each new turbine at the wind farm produces nine times more energy than the old ones, significantly reducing the number of turbines required. This upgrade translates to lower material consumption, reduced land use, and a more efficient renewable energy infrastructure.

Why repowering and recycling matters

According to data from Wood Mackenzie, considering wind farms older than 20 years, the global repowering capacity could reach up to 89 GW by 2026. However, only 11 GW of repowering projects are currently planned worldwide for this period, revealing significant untapped potential. In Africa, Koudia Al Baida is the only scheduled repowering project until 2032. Replacing outdated turbines with modern ones is easier and more cost-effective than developing new wind farms, particularly in regions with limited or expensive land availability.

Sustainability is central to the Koudia Al Baida project. Lattice and tubular towers were sent to local foundries for recycling, while key nacelle components, including generators and gearboxes, were refurbished as spare parts. The more challenging turbine blades, made of complex fibers, were shredded with the aim of repurposing them for cement reinforcement. These recycling efforts highlight how competitive recycling supply chains can support cost-effective and environmentally friendly repowering solutions.

In addition to recycling, financial factors such as Abandonment Expenditures (ABEX), are crucial in repowering projects. While much of the focus is often placed on Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX), ABEX—which covers costs for dismantling, recycling, waste management, and site restoration—played a pivotal role at Koudia Al Baida. By carefully managing ABEX alongside CAPEX and OPEX, the project exemplified how addressing these factors can deliver both financial and environmental sustainability, making repowering a competitive solution for advancing renewable energy.

Shreddered turbine blades during installation works to repower Koudia Al Baida wind power plant near Tetouan, in northern Morocco.

Support for skills development

Moreover, the Koudia Al Baida project has also played a pivotal role in developing local skills. As part of Morocco’s efforts to build capacity in the renewable energy sector, the project donated a total of 11 decommissioned wind turbines, including nacelles, hubs, blades, and electrical transformers. One turbine was donated to the Faculty of Science in the region, one to the Institute for Training in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (IFMEREE), and nine to the Office of Vocational Training and Labour Promotion (OFPPT).

Students from the IFMEREE Tangier training center working on wind turbine components, with a hub visible in the background, in northern Morocco.e components, with a hub visible in the background.

This initiative provides hands-on training for technicians, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By equipping local technicians with the tools and experience needed to maintain and operate modern wind turbines, the project supports the development of a skilled workforce, fostering the growth of Morocco’s renewable energy sector.

A global model for wind repowering

The Koudia Al Baida project not only represents a milestone in Morocco’s renewable energy development but also serves as a model for repowering projects worldwide. Its success illustrates how repowering can deliver a significant increase in energy output with fewer turbines, reduced land use, and a smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, the project’s focus on sustainability, circularity, and workforce development highlights the broader impact that such initiatives can have on local communities and economies.

In addition to repowering, our dedicated service activities aim to extend our turbines’ lifecycles through regular maintenance and repairs, ensuring they run efficiently for as long as possible. By combining these complementary strategies, we can unlock the full potential of wind energy to meet global climate goals.

With the support of initiatives like Koudia Al Baida, wind repowering can help bridge the gap in the energy transition, contributing to a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly future for all.

More Power, Fewer Turbines: Unlocking Wind Repowering

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