Consortiums Pre-Qualified for 400 MW Solar Plant in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s renewable energy agency, Masen, has announced the pre-qualification of six consortiums to construct a 400 MW solar plant in the Atlas mountains. Named Noor Midelt II, the project aims to strengthen the country’s renewable energy sector and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Leading the consortiums are renowned international companies, including Cobra Servicios, Communicaciones y Energia from Spain, EDF Renouvelables from France, Enel Green Power from Italy, Iberdrola Renovables International from Spain, International Power from Belgium, and Acwa Power from Saudi Arabia.

Noor Midelt I, which started operations in 2022, has an installed capacity of 800 MW and incorporates solar PV (600 MW) and Concentrated Solar Power (200 MW) technologies. In May 2019, Masen had awarded the project to a consortium of Masdar, EDF Renewables, and Green of Africa.

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The primary objective of the Noor Midelt II project is to build a photovoltaic power plant with a two-hour storage capacity. This storage capacity is vital to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of electricity, even during periods of low solar radiation or at night. By incorporating energy storage technologies, the efficiency and effectiveness of solar power plants are enhanced, making them a more sustainable and viable energy source.

In recent years, Morocco has actively pursued the expansion of its renewable energy capacity. According to official figures from 2022, renewables accounted for 18 per cent of the country’s total electricity production, while coal constituted 72 per cent. However, the government aims to increase the share of renewables to 52 per cent of the country’s installed capacity by 2030.

Morocco has set ambitious targets, including having 80 per cent of its energy supplied by renewable sources by 2050 and adding 10 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with 4.2 GW from wind energy. Currently, Morocco heavily relies on the international energy market, importing more than 90 per cent of its energy needs. To achieve energy security and reduce costs, Morocco recognizes the need for a more self-sufficient energy policy.

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The Noor Midelt II project represents a significant step toward achieving Morocco’s objectives by harnessing the abundant solar resources available in the Atlas Mountains region.