MOROCCO – The Noor III solar power facility in Ouarzazate faced an unexpected setback as Acwa Power reported a closure due to a leak in the molten salt tank.
The company, holding a 75% stake in the project, disclosed that the decision was prompted by the discovery of this leak, estimating initial losses at approximately US$47 million.
In response to this challenge, Acwa Power affirmed its commitment to rectifying the issue, emphasizing the possibility of constructing a new reservoir to address the flaw.
The Noor III station, known for its capacity to produce 150 megawatts when coupled with the world’s largest solar power tower, has been operational since October 2018, boasting a unique heat storage system enabling power generation even during nighttime hours.
Utilizing Sener engineering and technology group’s central tower technology and molten salt storage system, Noor Ouarzazate III stands as the second plant globally to implement this configuration at a commercial scale.
This technology’s selection was driven by its exceptional performance in achieving optimal temperatures, effectively managing solar energy, maximizing thermodynamic efficiency, and meeting grid demand even under low irradiation conditions.
However, despite the technological prowess showcased by the CSP project, Morocco’s economic, social, and environmental council recommended in a 2020 report the complete abandonment of CSP due to its higher costs compared to wind and solar energy alternatives.
Nonetheless, Morocco remains steadfast in its ambition to bolster renewable energy capacity, aiming to increase the percentage of installed capacity from 37.6% to 52% by 2030, predominantly through investments in wind and solar power initiatives.
Despite earlier targets envisioning 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity installed by 2020, Morocco has fallen short, with only 831 MW currently operational.
While wind power has contributed to filling part of this gap, a significant portion of the country’s energy production still stems from environmentally harmful coal plants.
In a parallel development, the Moroccan government is placing its bets on green hydrogen to lead the charge in its transition towards sustainable energy.
The government recently allocated one million hectares of land designated for green hydrogen projects.
In the initial phase, 300,000 hectares will be open to both domestic and foreign investors. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, stands in stark contrast to the conventional method reliant on fossil fuel-generated electricity.
This form of hydrogen serves as a clean energy source, emitting only water vapor and heat as byproducts.
The government reports significant interest from both national and international investors, foreseeing a promising future for the initiative.
Officials assert that leveraging Morocco’s abundant and diverse natural resources, strategic geographical location, top-notch infrastructure, and skilled workforce will secure the nation a pivotal role in renewable energy development.
Despite modest oil and gas reserves, Morocco’s ample solar and wind resources position it favorably for green energy production. Moreover, its political stability sets it apart from other countries in the region, offering reassurance to potential investors.
With a target of deriving 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, Morocco has been aggressively investing in infrastructure to achieve this goal.
Notable financial institutions like the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank have already extended support for sustainable energy projects, including the iconic Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, the world’s largest concentrated solar power facility.
However, Morocco remains heavily dependent on imports to meet around 90% of its energy needs, primarily relying on fossil fuels.
In 2022, coal, gas, and oil accounted for 62% of the nation’s electricity production, while wind, solar, and hydroelectric power combined constituted just 38%.
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