In 2016 with only 850 MW of capacity auctioned, the 1000 MW Moroccan Wind Energy Initiative of ONEE provided the world’s lowest wind energy costs. At 2.7€cent/kWh without support mechanisms and up to 70% of the total investments spent in local contents, the industry is on track to reach even lower wind energy prices in the future.
Compared to Germany's 1900 hours of wind power production per year, the exceptional quality of the Trade Winds blowing over the Sahara desert would generate production figures exceeding 3400 Full Load Hours. In 2002, we published the following cost simulation: taking a price of 1000€/kW of rated Wind Turbine capacity, 5% real interest rate, 20 years lifetime and 2% of total investment as annual Operation & Maintenance costs, wind power costs fall under 3€cent/kWh. From single wind measurements available within this territory, where over 5000 Full Load Hours can be derived or 60% wind capacity factor, wind electricity prices drop even further.