Morocco has selected a EDF Renewables led consortium for a 800 MW solar power plant to be developed in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, reported Reuters referring to a statement released by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN). Other members of the winning consortium are Masdar, Green of Africa and Sener Ingeneria Y Sistemas.
They beat 4 other consortia shortlisted by MASEN out of 7 applicants for the tender to win Noor Midelt I. These were led by ACWA Power, Engie, Innogy and JGC (see Morocco Shortlists Five Consortia For Noor I).
Under the umbrella of Noor Solar, Morocco is planning to have a minimum capacity of 2 GW by 2020 to be located in Ouarzazate, Laayoune, Boujdour and Midelt. Phase I of Noor Midelt or Noor Midelt I is expected to have 150 MW to 190 MW of concentrated solar thermal (CSP) capacity with a minimum of 5 hours of thermal storage while the PV component will be around 150 MW to 210 MW for each of the projects. It is expected to cost MAD 7.57 billion ($781.5 million).
The project is funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), French Development Agency, European Commission, the World Bank, and African Development Fund and the Clean Technology Fund (see $50m Loan For Morocco's Hybrid Solar Projects).
According to Reuters, Morocco had installed 700 MW of solar power capacity at the end of 2018. It aims to have 52% share of renewables in its total energy mix by 2030.
German Solar Association BSW-Solar and Becquerel Institute's Solarize Africa study pegs 30 GW solar potential for Africa by 2030 for which it analysed 10 African nations, including Morocco (see Africa Can Install 30 GW Solar By 2030).