22-04-2025
Morocco's Noor Ouarzazate III Solar Plant Resumes Operations After Year-Long Shutdown
Rabat — The Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant has resumed electricity production after more than a year of inactivity due to a technical incident. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) confirmed the successful restart of this flagship project in the country's energy transition strategy.
The facility, which began operating in 2018, employs concentrated solar power tower technology, using a field of heliostat mirrors that direct sunlight to a receiver at the top of a central tower. The energy is then stored as heat in molten salts, allowing the plant to continue generating electricity even without direct sunlight.
A leak in one of the thermal storage tanks forced the plant's shutdown in February 2024. Operating under extreme thermal conditions, these tanks are crucial to the facility's operation. Specialists at the plant used their expertise as well as sophisticated technical resources to replace the damaged component and fix the dysfunction.
'This restart is the result of our teams' strong mobilization on the ground. It demonstrates our ability to address complex situations with methodology and responsibility,' said MASEN's CEO Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal.
The restart process followed a rigorous approach involving enhanced verification procedures and a series of tests to ensure optimal safety conditions. This success is the fruit of a joint coordination with MASEN's industrial partners, as well as in compliance with international safety and performance standards.
Read also: Morocco Continues to Strengthen Focus on Renewable Energy for Sustainable Growth
Meanwhile, the agency has launched the construction of a new storage tank that is designed to offer better resistance to thermal cycles. It aims to boost the reliability of the entire system and enhance the unit's heat storage capacity.
The facility's resumption of service means it will reinvigorate its pivotal role in Morocco's major role as an African hub in renewable energy production.
'This achievement reaffirms Moroccan expertise in renewable energy and supports the Kingdom's energy transition,' noted Moufaddal. He also spoke of how the restart illustrates the country's capacity to manage cutting-edge energy infrastructure with rigor, resilience, and responsibility in an ever-evolving sector.
Noor Ouarzazate III embodies Morocco's broader vision to transfer its energy production strategy and opt for renewable, natural, clean, and eco-friendly energy.
The country has been intensifying efforts through the launch of many major projects to contribute to the international shift toward cleaner energy. These projects have positioned Morocco as a leading country in energy transition, thus fortifying its sustainable development strategy.
