The agreement was signed with the consortium led by ACWA Power at the COP22 in Marrakech during a ceremony.

The NOOR PV I program will feature three projects: NOOR Ouarzazate IV, with a capacity of around 70MW, 80MW NOOR Laayoune, and 20MW NOOR Boujdour.

It is the first solar PV phase of the NOOR Solar Plan, which already has three concentrated solar power projects in Ouarzazate.

Morocco is the only nation in North Africa, with few fossil fuel reserves and it imports 90% of its energy.

The country now plans to produce at least 52% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030.

The three projects are expected to help the country reduce thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions occurring per year and supply clean energy to thousands of homes with every year in operation.

Sterling and Wilson claims that this project will be one of the largest solar PV plants in North African region and it can be in operation for 20 years. As the EPC contractor for this project, the company said that it will maximize the use of local resources for the construction of the solar plants, which can ensure local community development.

The company also noted that it will provide specialised training to both skilled and unskilled local resources to meet project expectations.

Construction of the NOOR PV I Program is expected to begin shortly and is estimated to be completed in one year’s time.

Sterling and Wilson Renewable and Electrical president Bikesh Ogra said: “These projects have been won after an intense competitive bidding process.

“The success around these projects, which are amongst the much spoken about, in the global fraternity, has been a matter of great pride for us as a group.

“Morocco has been one of our most important target markets and these projects would hopefully enable us to consolidate our positioning for all forthcoming opportunities in the country and the region as a whole.

The projects will comply with the existing environmental and social responsibility legislation in Morocco.

Image: Sterling and Wilson wins contract to develop 170MW solar PV plant in Morocco. Photo: Courtesy of graur codrin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.