ACWA Power Wins Contract to Develop Noor Midelt II and III Solar Projects in Morocco
ACWA Power, a global leader in renewable energy and water desalination, has won a contract to develop the solar power plants Noor Midelt II and Noor Midelt III, following an international tender launched by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen).
Each plant will have a production capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar power, along with battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a capacity of approximately 602 megawatt-hours, enabling immediate production of up to 230 megawatts for two hours during peak times.
The plants will be completed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, with a 30-year power purchase agreement with Masen.
A Significant Contribution to Morocco’s Energy Transition
These projects are expected to contribute to:
– Increasing the integration of renewable energy in the national grid.
– Effectively responding to demand needs during peak hours.
– Avoiding the emission of approximately 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide.
An Extension of an Ambitious National Strategy
This achievement reinforces ACWA Power’s position in the Moroccan market, as the company already manages major projects like the Noor Ouarzazate complex (I to IV) and the Khalladi wind farm, with a total installed capacity of 765 megawatts.
Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, stated that these projects reflect the company’s commitment to contributing to Morocco’s energy vision for 2030, by providing reliable, innovative, and profitable solutions.
Hashim Gabbas, the company’s President for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, emphasized that these hybrid projects represent a strategic shift towards achieving national energy sovereignty.
Omar Alaoui Mohammedi, General Director of ACWA Power Morocco, highlighted the local impact of the two projects on economic development and emission reduction, affirming the company’s commitment to a sustainable future for the kingdom.
The Importance of the Projects in the National Agenda
– They represent a significant step towards achieving the goal of 52% renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030.
– They incorporate advanced energy storage technologies, enhancing the stability of the national grid.
– They attract both private and public investments with the participation of Moroccan and international financing institutions.
– They provide a critical developmental boost for the Midelt region by creating local economic and social opportunities.
