Does Morocco need a solar power station?

Morocco plans to generate 42% of its energy from renewables by 2020, rising to 52% by 2030, with solar, wind and hydropower each providing a third of the total. The new Ouarzazate Solar Power Station will help Morocco meet its renewable power targets. Image: Solar Business Hub The country is well on its way to achieving that goal.

What is Morocco's largest solar power plant?

Morocco also built the Noor-Ouarzazate complex, the world's largest concentrated solar power plant, an enormous array of curved mirrors spread over 3,000 hectares (11.6 sq miles) which concentrate the Sun's rays towards tubes of fluid, with the hot liquid then used to produce power.

Why is Morocco launching a solar energy plan?

Morocco has launched one of the world’s largest and most ambitious solar energy plan with investment of USD 9billion. The Moroccan Solar Plan is regarded as a milestone on the country’s path towards a secure and sustainable energy supply.

How much energy does Morocco produce from renewables?

Production of energy from renewables lagged behind a little, at closer to 20% of the country's total in 2019. But the country has come a long way. Morocco has since pledged to increase the renewables in its electricity mix to 52% by 2030, made up of 20% solar, 20% wind and 12% hydro.

Where does Morocco's energy come from?

Much of that imported energy is generated from fossil fuels. Morocco relies particularly heavily on coal power, which it is expanding along with renewables, and around 40% of electricity in the country comes from coal.

What is the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN)?

In 2010, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN), a public-private venture, was set up specifically to implement these projects. Its mandate is to implement the overall project and to coordinate and to supervise other activities related to this initiative.