Reducing energy costs while improving operational efficiency and lowering emissions
CUMAREX SA is a leading Moroccan seafood processing company specializing in the traditional production of canned fish. Through decades of expertise combined with a continuous drive for innovation, the company has established itself as one of the flagship canneries at the national level, supplying both domestic and international markets.
Located in the industrial zone of Martil, near Tetouan, the company operates a modern industrial facility composed of two production units, each equipped with multiple manufacturing and packaging lines. Production is primarily focused on canned mackerel (60%) and sardines (30%), complemented by a diversified range of seafood products (10%), reflecting both industrial scale and product flexibility.
Seafood processing is inherently energy-intensive, requiring a constant and reliable electricity supply across critical operations such as cold storage, sterilization, and processing lines. Prior to the project, the plant relied almost entirely on grid electricity, resulting in high and volatile energy costs, significant carbon emissions, and increasing pressure to align with more sustainable industrial practices. In 2022 alone, the facility recorded an electricity consumption of nearly 5 GWh, highlighting the scale of its energy needs.
As part of its growth and sustainability strategy, CUMAREX initiated a major step towards energy transition by investing in a rooftop solar photovoltaic installation. The project involved the deployment of a 781.53 kWp solar power plant, fully integrated into the site’s operations and designed to supply electricity directly to the plant under a self-consumption scheme.
The installation included 1,434 high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, advanced power conversion equipment, and a real-time monitoring system to ensure optimal performance. The project also covered all engineering, procurement, transport, and installation works, ensuring a seamless integration with the existing industrial infrastructure.
The solar system delivers an estimated annual production of 1,122,650 kWh. Compared to the site’s total electricity consumption of 4,973,883 kWh in 2022, the installation covers approximately 23% of overall demand, with coverage exceeding 47% during peak production hours. This results in a significant reduction in reliance on grid electricity and improves the site’s energy cost efficiency and operational resilience.
Beyond the economic benefits, the project generates a tangible environmental impact, reducing CO₂ emissions by 601.51 tons per year. This contribution supports Morocco’s broader energy transition objectives while positioning CUMAREX as a forward-looking industrial player committed to sustainable practices.
Through this investment, CUMAREX demonstrates how traditional agro-industrial actors can leverage renewable energy solutions to enhance competitiveness, reduce operational risks, and align with evolving environmental standards. The project stands as a strong and replicable example of how solar energy can deliver both economic and environmental value in energy-intensive industries.
Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Morocco is a green economy financing program, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will provide financing to Moroccan private enterprises through local financial institution partners. Supported by the European Union (EU), the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It will enable local companies to invest in green technologies, reduce their costs through climate adaptation measures, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
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