In a significant milestone for Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions, a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and Morocco’s Nareva has emerged as the frontrunner for the Noor Midelt II solar and battery storage tender. This development underscores Morocco’s growing leadership in integrating solar power with energy storage to drive sustainability and energy resilience. ⚡✨
The lowest Bid
The ACWA-Nareva team submitted the lowest bid in a competitive tender for the design, build, finance, operate, and maintain (DBFOM) of a 400 MW solar portfolio and a two-hour battery storage facility near Midelt, located in the Atlas Mountains. Their bid outperformed consortia led by French energy giants:
- EDF Renewables, in partnership with Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company).
- Engie, collaborating with Fipar, a Moroccan firm backed by the Caisse de depot et de gestion du Maroc (CDG). 🌞🤝
The Noor Midelt Programme
The Noor Midelt programme, spearheaded by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen), aims to advance Morocco’s leadership in renewable energy. The programme is divided into phases:
- Noor Midelt I: Awarded to a consortium of EDF Renewables, Masdar, and a local IPP, this 800 MW project is currently in the financing stage, with major lenders including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and German development bank KfW. Financial close is expected early next year.
- Noor Midelt II: The latest tender awarded to the ACWA-Nareva consortium, focusing on solar energy generation integrated with battery storage for grid stability. 🔋🌱
Global and Local Partnerships
The Noor Midelt II project highlights Morocco’s success in attracting international expertise while fostering local collaboration. Masen’s strategy of involving both global leaders like ACWA and Nareva underscores its commitment to creating impactful partnerships that drive sustainable energy solutions.
The competition also included other prequalified consortia, such as those led by Enel, Iberdrola, and Cobra, reflecting strong global interest in Morocco’s renewable energy sector. 🏗️🌍
A Step Toward Energy Independence
The integration of battery storage with solar energy positions Noor Midelt II as a transformative project, ensuring:
- Grid Stability: Battery storage helps balance intermittent solar power, enhancing reliability.
- Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: Accelerates Morocco’s transition to renewable energy.
- Energy Security: Strengthens Morocco’s ability to meet growing electricity demands sustainably. 🔋🌞
Conclusion
The ACWA-Nareva consortium’s success in the Noor Midelt II tender reaffirms Morocco’s leadership in innovative renewable energy projects. With global players competing to participate, the programme sets a benchmark for integrating solar energy with storage, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
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