Vinci to build PSP plant in Morocco

Vinci Construction, as leader of a joint venture with the Andritz Hydro electromechanical company, has won the contract to build the Abdelmoumen pumped storage hydroelectric plant (PSP) located 70 km from Agadir, Morocco.

The €284 million (US$338 million) pumped-storage scheme is part of the plan to develop and integrate renewable energies in Morocco. The contract covers construction surveys, civil engineering works, supply of materials and pumping equipment, assembly, testing and commissioning.

The civil engineering works to be carried out by Vinci Construction include earthworks for two reservoirs, excavation for the powerhouse to be embedded in the slope, and installation of the penstock pipe over a distance of 3 km, including 1 km underground.

New roads will be built and several others will be refurbished to provide access to the facilities, during construction and operation of the future site. The electromechanical equipment, for which Andritz Hydro is responsible, includes two 175 MW Francis turbines specially developed in the company’s laboratory and a high voltage substation.

A total of 840 people will be recruited for the 48-month project, including 780 to be hired locally. A training programme will be set up to ensure worksite safety and quality.