First phase of the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world has been launched

folarin okunola

February 16, 2016 10:01 AM

The 3-plant, $9 billion Noor-Ouarzazate CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) complex called NOOR will reduce carbon emissions by 760,000 tons a year

The Noor solar plant in Morocco is the largest CSP plant in the world

Media reports reveal that the first phase of the largest concentrated solar plant in the world has gone live in Morocco. When completed (Phase 2 in 2017 and Phase 3 in 2018), the plant will provide energy for over one million homes in Morocco.

The plant was inaugurated last week (February 4) by His Majesty Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The 3-plant, $9 billion Noor-Ouarzazate CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) complex called NOOR will reduce carbon emissions by 760,000 tons a year, highlighting the country’s determination to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The plant is expected to achieve over 500 megawatts (MW) installed capacity, ultimately supplying power to 1.1 million Moroccans by 2018.

The World Bank-funded plant is located in the Souss-Massa-Drâa area in Morocco, about 6 miles from Ouarzazate town. The World Bank says the new Noor CSP plant will create 1,600 jobs during construction and 200 jobs during the plant’s operation.

READ: French company partners with government to build 1,000km of 'solar roads'

“With this bold step toward a clean energy future, Morocco is pioneering a greener development and developing a cutting edge solar technology,” said World Bank Country Director for the Maghreb, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly. “The returns on this investment will be significant for the country and its people, by enhancing energy security, creating a cleaner environment, and encouraging new industries and job creation.”

Concessional and public financing were key to getting this project off the ground. The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy, the government agency focused on the country’s solar ambitions, secured over $3 billion needed for the project from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), European financing institutions and the World Bank.

Pioneering projects on the African continent, such as the Noor solar plant, are proving the performance of CSP. Asides the environmental benefits, the plant construction results in new, local jobs, and can lead to a high-performing sustainable energy economic sector for Morocco.

folarin okunola