Rabat – ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company and a global leader in renewable energy, has won two major solar energy projects, NOOR Midelt 2 and NOOR Midelt 3, after an international tender organized by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN).
These two projects are large photovoltaic (solar) power plants, each with a capacity of 400 megawatts peak (MWp). They will also include large battery energy storage systems (BESS) that can supply 230 megawatts of electricity during peak hours for two hours.
The projects are being developed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model and will be supported by a 30-year power purchase agreement with MASEN, which will buy the electricity produced.
The NOOR Midelt 2 and 3 projects are part of Morocco’s efforts to increase its use of renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. These new solar power plants are set to add flexibility to Morocco’s electricity grid and help the country meet its target for renewable energy in its 2030 energy mix.
By producing clean electricity and storing energy for peak times, these plants will also prevent the release of 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, expressed pride in the company’s role in supporting Morocco’s clean energy transition.
“We are proud to deepen our contribution to Morocco’s ambitious 2030 targets by delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective renewable energy and storage capabilities that will not only meet peak demand but also foster a greener, more resilient energy future for the Kingdom,” he said.
Arcelli also noted that ACWA Power is the largest investor in Africa, with $9.5 billion invested on the continent, and remains committed to bringing sustainable energy solutions to more countries.
Meanwhile, Hashim Ghabashi, President of the MEASEA region at ACWA Power, described the projects as an important step for Morocco. “The NOOR Midelt 2 & 3 projects mark another pivotal moment in Morocco’s journey towards energy independence and sustainable development,” he said.
ACWA Power has been active in Morocco for more than 10 years and has played an important role in building the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. The company manages and operates several major solar power plants, including NOOR I, NOOR II, and NOOR III in Ouarzazate, as well as NOOR PV I plants in Laayoune and Boujdour.
It also operates the Khalladi wind farm in Tangier. Together, these projects provide a total of 765 MW of clean energy to Morocco’s grid.
