The race to develop Morocco’s ambitious Noor Midelt 2 and 3 solar projects is heating up, with the bid deadline set for November 29. The projects, each combining 400MW of solar with 400MW of battery storage, are poised to be some of the most significant renewable energy undertakings in North Africa. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) is the driving force behind these initiatives, ensuring that Morocco continues to lead in solar energy innovation. Let’s dive deeper into the key players and the potential impact of these projects on the renewable energy landscape.
Key Players in the Bidding Battle
The two main consortia positioning themselves for the bid are ACWA Power and a partnership between Masdar and EDF. These entities are no strangers to the renewable energy scene in Morocco, having already contributed significantly to the country’s solar ambitions.
- ACWA Power: Based in Saudi Arabia, ACWA Power has been a major player in Morocco’s solar industry for years. It was instrumental in the development of previous Noor projects, including Noor Ouarzazate, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) facilities. ACWA Power’s experience in managing large-scale solar and integrated energy projects could provide a significant advantage in the bidding process.
- Masdar/EDF: The consortium of Masdar (from the UAE) and EDF Renewables (a division of the French utility giant) brings a wealth of experience and cross-border expertise to the table. Masdar is well-known for its projects across the Middle East and North Africa, while EDF brings European expertise and innovative renewable energy technologies. Their partnership combines local know-how and international capabilities, positioning them as strong contenders.
Third Bidder in the Mix
Rumors suggest a third bidder may also be considering entering the race for Noor Midelt 2 and 3, though details are still emerging. The addition of a third competitor could intensify the bidding process, leading to innovative financing solutions and potentially more competitive pricing for Morocco.
Hybrid Power Solution: Solar and Battery Storage ☀️🔋
The Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects are particularly notable because of their hybrid setup. Each project is designed to generate 400MW of solar power alongside 400MW of battery storage. This combination is critical for stabilizing Morocco’s electricity grid and ensuring a reliable power supply, even when sunlight is not available.
By integrating significant battery storage capacity, the projects are positioned to address one of the biggest challenges associated with solar energy—intermittency. This kind of hybrid model is increasingly being recognized as a pathway toward achieving 24/7 renewable energy availability. The integration of battery storage will allow Masen to continue providing energy to the Moroccan grid during the evening hours, when energy demand remains high but solar generation drops.
Impact on Morocco’s Renewable Energy Landscape 🌍
The Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects are a continuation of Morocco’s ambitious Noor Solar Program, which aims to make the country a global leader in renewable energy. With a target of generating over 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Morocco has consistently focused on large-scale solar and wind projects to meet its growing energy needs sustainably.
The Noor Midelt projects are especially important as they push forward the idea of a multi-technology energy strategy—using a combination of photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and battery storage to meet fluctuating power demands efficiently. The hybrid nature of these projects also makes Morocco a leader in deploying technologies that many other countries are still exploring, offering lessons and best practices for similar initiatives globally.
Masen’s Role 🚀
Masen, the client for these projects, continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy strategy. The organization’s mission is to promote renewable energy in Morocco by attracting investments, structuring projects, and ensuring their alignment with national goals. With projects like Noor Midelt 2 and 3, Masen is setting a high standard for renewable energy development in North Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
As the November 29 deadline approaches, the competition between ACWA Power, Masdar/EDF, and possibly a third bidder is intensifying. The Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects are not just about adding more solar capacity—they symbolize Morocco’s vision of a sustainable energy future that blends technology and innovation. By integrating solar power with significant battery storage, these projects are setting a precedent for how to deliver reliable and clean energy at scale.
What are your thoughts on hybrid solar and storage projects like Noor Midelt 2 and 3? Let’s connect and discuss how such initiatives can reshape the future of renewable energy! 💬☀️
Finteam 