The Midelt Phase I Concentrated Solar Power Project consists of two 150-190 MW CSP plants with a thermal storage for five hours and above.
The total capacity of the first phase of the plant is expected to be 600-800 MW, as the PV component’s installed capacity could reach nearly 150-210 MW. The total capacity of each of the proposed plants will be 300-400 MW.
The CSP project is expected to make a significant contribution to Morocco’s goal of achieving 52% of installed capacity from renewable energy by 2030.
Over its 25 year-lifetime, the Noor-Midelt Phase 1 project is estimated to result in greenhouse gas savings of 36 million tCO2 equivalent.
AfDB climate change and green growth director Anthony Nyong said: “In 2015, the world saw an important shift in CSP investment from the developed to the developing world, particularly in Morocco.
“Morocco’s path-changing Noor CSP program under CTF, for which we serve as implementing agency, has been a critical element of that shift.
“This new project, which will be modelled on the Noor operational and financial structure, will increase the development of solar energy and further help diversify the country’s energy mix and enhance its energy security. We believe that the project can serve as a model for other countries in the region and beyond.”
