Morocco has launched Noor Atlas project, a major solar photovoltaic (PV) program worth $272 million designed to expand the country’s renewable energy capacity through the construction of six new solar plants with a total capacity of 305 megawatts.
The new solar plants will be built in six Moroccan provinces: Aïn Béni Mathar, Boudnib, Bouanane, Enjil, Tata and Tan-Tan. Experts say producing electricity closer to smaller or remote areas help reduce energy losses during transmission and improve the stability of the power grid.
These plants will be built by consortiums of Moroccan and European companies which will help train local workers, support Moroccan industry and create local jobs.
The project, expected to be completed in Q3 2027, is funded by concessional loans provided by German development bank KfW, the European Investment Bank and Moroccan Bank of Africa.
Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water and the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) have signed lately Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) covering the development, financing, construction, and operation of six solar PV power plants.
Last year, MASEN, the project’s owner, had set up a subsidiary – Noor Atlas Energy Company – to oversee its implementation. This landmark project is part of Morocco’s plan to get 52% of its electricity capacity from renewable energy by 2030, while also cutting carbon emissions and reducing the need to import coal and gas.