Morocco has unveiled the first phase of what will become the world's largest solar power plant.
It is designed to provide clean energy to 1 million people.
Situated near the city of Ouarzazate, the facility spans an area the size of Rabat, Morocco's capital.
Upon full completion, it will generate 580 MW of electricity.
The plant employs advanced concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, featuring cylindrical-parabolic mirrors that focus sunlight onto tubes filled with molten salt.
These mirrors track the sun's path throughout the day, capturing and storing thermal energy efficiently.
The heated molten salt drives a steam turbine to produce electricity—even after sunset.
"The plant's 500,000 curved mirrors cover an area equivalent to 35 football pitches. They are adjustable to concentrate solar energy all day long," explains Paddy Padmanathan, CEO of ACWA Power, the firm constructing and operating the project.
Thanks to the molten salt storage, Noor 1—the initial phase—can supply power for up to 3 hours post-sunset.
This is just the beginning. Noor 2 and Noor 3 phases were slated for commissioning around 2017, extending storage capacity up to 8 hours. Watch this detailed report on the project:
This €8 billion initiative is pivotal for Morocco's energy security. The nation currently imports 97% of its energy from fossil fuels.
According to the World Bank, the Ouarzazate plant will offset the need for 2.5 million tonnes of oil annually.
It will also cut CO2 emissions by 760,000 tonnes per year, totaling 17.5 million tonnes over 25 years.
King Mohammed VI's vision is clear: position Morocco as a global leader in renewables.
"We see climate change as a real opportunity for our country," states Hakima El Haite, former Moroccan Minister of Environment.
Morocco aims for 42% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2020—surpassing targets set by wealthier nations like the U.S. (20% under Obama) and the UK (30%).
If plans proceed, Morocco could export surplus renewables to neighbors, per Padmanathan.
"Producing at 7-8 cents per kWh is feasible, yielding thousands of megawatts in surplus," he notes.
"Morocco will export to Europe—it's just a matter of time until negotiations begin."
With vast sunny deserts and 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly, Morocco is primed to become a solar superpower.
