Morocco to establish 2,000-MW solar project

Morocco imports 96 of its energy, although it has excellent solar potential throughout the country, with radiation ratings of between 2,800 and 3,000 solar-hours per year.

In a plan promoting energy self-sufficiency through solar power, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy MASEN has nominated five locations to build five solar plants, with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts MW. A request for proposals from pre-qualified candidates to develop the first plant will be issued at the end of this year. The project will be built on a public-private partnership PPP basis.

According to MASEN, the project's specifications are:

• The first plant, which is in the Ouarzazate area, has an area of 2,500 hectares and 2,635 kilowatt-hours per square meter per year kWh/m2/year solar radiation. This project expected to produce 1,150 GWh from a generating capacity of 500 MW. It will be commissioned in 2015.

• The second plant, which is in the Ain Beni Mather area, has an area of 2,000 hectares, with 2,290 kWh/m2/year solar radiation. This project is expected to produce 835 GWh from a capacity of 400 MW.

• The third plant, which is in the Foum Al Ouad area, has an area of 2,500 hectares and 2,628 kWh/m2/year solar radiation. This project is expected to produce 1,150 GWh from a capacity of 500 MW.

• The fourth plant, which is in the Boujdour area, has an area of 500 hectares and 2,642 kWh/m2/year solar radiation. This project is expected to produce 600 GWh from a capacity of 100 MW.

• The fifth plant, which is in the Sebkhate Tah area, has an area of 2,500 hectares and 2,140 kWh/m2/year solar radiation. This project is expected to produce 1,040 GWh from a capacity of 500 MW, and will be commissioned in 2019.

Currently, the Moroccan electricity sector has approximately 8,000 MW installed capacity, which is classified as 74 conventional power plants, 24 hydro and 2 wind. After completion of this project, Morocco will have about a 42 renewable share, divided into 14 hydro, 14 solar and 14 wind. This project will meet local demand in Morocco through pumping 4,500 GWh into the grid and saving 990,000 tons of fuel annually.

The total investment for the projects is valued at $9 billion. Financial authorities in Morocco mentioned that the project will need financing through global partnerships, as the estimated cost would prove difficult to cover by one or two Egyptian banks alone.

Related News

elizabeth may

Elizabeth May wants a fully renewable electricity grid by 2030. Is that possible?

TORONTO - Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has a vision for Canada in 2030. In 11 years, all new cars will be electric. A national ban will prohibit anyone from buying a gas-powered vehicle. No matter where you live, charging stations will make driving long distances easy and affordable. Alberta’s oil industry will be on the way out, replaced by jobs in sectors such as urban farming, renewable energy and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency. The electric grid will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

It’s all part of the Greens’ “Mission Possible” – a detailed plan released Monday…

READ MORE

Multi-billion-dollar hydro generation project proposed for Meaford military base

READ MORE

powerlines

Federal net-zero electricity regulations will permit some natural gas power generation

READ MORE

hydro quebec

Hydro-Québec puts global ambitions on hold as crisis weighs on demand

READ MORE

Maritime Link reaches Nova Scotia

Maritime Link almost a reality, as first power cable reaches Nova Scotia

READ MORE