Morocco Launches 350-Megawatt Solar Power Initiative
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Morocco is set to unveil a groundbreaking photovoltaic solar energy program with a total capacity of 350 megawatts, designed to supply electricity to between 300,000 and 350,000 households. The construction of this extensive project is slated to commence in 2027, with operational capabilities expected to be realized by 2028 or 2029. This initiative is part of Morocco's broader strategy to enhance renewable energy production, aiming to elevate the share of renewables to over 52% of its total installed electricity capacity by 2030. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has recently initiated an international tender on October 14, targeting firms to design, construct, operate, and maintain between four to six solar power stations as part of the multi-site Noor photovoltaic program. The pre-qualification deadline for interested companies is set for November 30, 2026.
Strategic Distribution and Capacity Goals
The planned solar stations will be distributed across several key regions in Morocco, including Casablanca-Settat, Beni Mellal-Khénifra, Marrakech-Safi, Souss-Massa, and Guelmim-Oued Noun. Each facility is expected to have an output capacity ranging from 40 to 170 megawatts, although final site specifications and size will be determined in later phases of the competitive process. Masen anticipates that these stations will generate between 650 and 750 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, although actual production will depend on solar radiation levels and prevailing climatic conditions. To contextualize, a 40-megawatt facility could meet the annual consumption needs of approximately 35,000 households, occupying an area of 80 to 100 hectares, while a 170-megawatt station could serve about 150,000 households, requiring 350 to 400 hectares. According to the initial timeline, financing agreements are expected to be finalized, and construction to begin in the second quarter of 2027, with the first stations projected to be operational by late 2028 or early 2029.
The launch of this solar power program comes at a time when Morocco faces rising energy costs, particularly as global oil prices have surged beyond $114 per barrel. The energy import bill for the country reached 96.4 billion dirhams in the first eight months of the year, marking a 32.6% increase year-on-year. To address this challenge, Morocco is committed to integrating more renewable sources into its energy mix to decrease reliance on imported fossil fuels.
This new initiative represents a significant shift in Morocco's solar strategy, moving away from the more expensive and time-consuming concentrated solar power technology used in earlier phases of the Noor program, particularly at the Noor Ouarzazate complex. The latest projects, such as Noor Atlas and Noor PV II, are leaning towards photovoltaic systems that promise quicker implementation and lower costs. By distributing solar stations across various regions, the program aims to bring energy production closer to consumption centers, thereby reducing transmission losses.
Additionally, the program complements other solar initiatives in Morocco. In March 2026, Masen signed long-term agreements with the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to purchase electricity from the Noor Atlas projects, which boast a total capacity of 305 megawatts across six provinces, with operations expected to commence in mid-2027. Masen is also collaborating with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to advance the hybrid solar projects Noor Midelt 2 and Noor Midelt 3.
However, experts like environmental analyst Mustafa Benramel emphasize that achieving Morocco's renewable energy goals by 2030 requires more than just the construction of power stations. There is an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of planned projects, enhance transmission and distribution networks, and develop effective storage solutions to ensure the stability of the electrical system. The success of these initiatives should not only be measured by productive capacity or the number of households benefitting but also by the reductions in emissions, the environmental impact during construction and operation, and the respect for biodiversity and water resources. Furthermore, local community involvement, youth employment, and support for national businesses, as well as early planning for the recycling of solar panels at the end of their life cycle, are crucial to avoid creating new electronic waste.
As reported by alaraby.co.uk.
