Lanpec Technologies Maintains Presence in Morocco
The Chinese conglomerate Lanpec Technologies, a public equipment supplier specializing in petrochemical and energy installations, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the code 601798, has confirmed the continuation of its branch in Morocco following the mechanical completion of the thermal storage expansion at the Noor III power plant in Ouarzazate. According to our sources, the company continues to list its Moroccan subsidiary, Shanghai Lanbin Petrochemical Equipment, in Casablanca, which still reflects outstanding supplier debts and other accounting positions denominated in Moroccan currency. This presence is directly linked to the construction of the new molten salt tanks at Noor III. Documents published by Lanpec in 2025 identified the Casablanca branch as one of the entities involved in the installation of the new thermal storage system. A specific guarantee provided to this branch further affirms its contractual role in the operations conducted in Ouarzazate.
Significant Developments Post-Completion of Noor III
The project reached a crucial milestone on April 29, when Sumec announced the mechanical completion of the expansion, achieved one month ahead of schedule. This operation was jointly executed by Sumec Energy and Lanpec, with Lanpec supplying the main equipment and expertise for the large molten salt tanks, while Sumec Energy managed procurement coordination, international logistics, and on-site operations. The system is designed to store approximately 20,000 tons of molten salt at 560 °C for the Noor III solar thermodynamic power plant, which has an installed capacity of 150 megawatts. The installation boasts a thermal storage capacity of seven hours, enabling the plant to continue its production even after the direct sunlight fades.
The continued presence of the Casablanca branch in the financial accounts for the first half of 2026 coincides with the persistence of contractual obligations associated with the project. Lanpec remains committed to the obligations of Shanghai Lanbin Petrochemical Equipment Morocco Branch to the Moroccan subsidiary of the Spanish company CA Infraestructuras Energia 2023 regarding the tank installation contract. The guarantee amounts to $6.9 million (approximately 65 million dirhams) and remains valid until the complete and irrevocable execution of the obligations stipulated in the contract.
A report dated August 28 provides additional accounting insights: as of June 30, Lanpec reported outstanding supplier debts of 34,919.88 dirhams and other debts amounting to 5,000.43 dirhams, both denominated in Moroccan currency. Although these amounts are minimal, their existence, coupled with the formal maintenance of Casablanca among the group's foreign establishments, indicates that the branch has not been dissolved from the operational framework following the mechanical completion of Noor III. However, the document does not mention any new Moroccan projects assigned to this structure.
This continuity comes at a time when Lanpec is undergoing a change in control. Sumec, a state-owned Chinese engineering, trading, and equipment group affiliated with China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach), acquired 21.72% of Lanpec's capital in the first half of the year, thereby becoming the controlling shareholder. Sumec's accounts confirm the integration of Lanpec into its consolidated scope following this transaction. This merger brings together two companies that were already collaborating in Morocco. Sumec now presents Lanpec as one of its industrial subsidiaries in energy and chemical equipment, with a chain of operations ranging from engineering and manufacturing to large projects and technical services. The Chinese group indicates that this integration aims to expand its capabilities in energy, chemical equipment, and new storage solutions.
The Casablanca branch is thus transitioning to a new capital framework just months after the mechanical completion of the project that justified its mobilization in Ouarzazate. This distinction raises questions about its role following the complete fulfillment of obligations related to Noor III.
As reported by barlamane.com.
