Rabat – Morocco’s renewable energy agency, Masen, announced the pre-qualification of six consortiums for the construction of a 400-megawatt solar plant in the Atlas mountains.
The project, named Noor Midelt II, aims to bolster the country’s renewable energy sector and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Leading the consortiums are prominent international companies, including Cobra Servicios, Communicaciones y Energia from Spain, France’s EDF Renouvelables, Enel Green Power from Italy, Iberdrola Renovables International from Spain, International Power from Belgium, and Acwa Power from Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement from Masen, the companies demonstrated their expertise and capabilities in the renewable energy sector and have successfully met the pre-qualification criteria set by the agency.
The primary objective of the Noor Midelt II project is to construct a photovoltaic power plant with a two-hour storage capacity. The storage capability is crucial for ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of electricity even during periods of low solar radiation or at night.
The inclusion of energy storage technologies enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the solar power plants, making them a more sustainable and viable energy source.
Morocco has been actively pursuing the expansion of its renewable energy capacity in recent years.
As of 2022, renewables accounted for 18% of the country’s total electricity production, while coal constituted 72%, according to official figures. However, the government aims to increase the share of renewables to 52% of the country’s installed capacity by 2030.
By prioritizing renewable energy development, Morocco seeks to reduce its carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Noor Midelt II project represents another significant step toward achieving these objectives, as it harnesses the abundant solar resources available in the Atlas Mountains region.
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