ACWA Power secures major solar projects advancing Morocco’s energy transition

Saudi energy giant ACWA Power has been awarded two major solar projects in Morocco,NOOR Midelt 2 and NOOR Midelt 3,following an international tender by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN). The twin projects represent a significant expansion of Morocco’s renewable energy infrastructure as the kingdom pursues its ambitious 2030 climate targets.

Each project features a 400-megawatt peak photovoltaic power plant integrated with advanced battery energy storage systems totaling 602 megawatt-hours. The facilities will provide 230 megawatts of electricity during peak demand periods for two hours,addressing critical grid flexibility needs as Morocco increases renewable energy integration into its national network.

Developed under a Build-Own-Operate model,both projects will be supported by 30-year power purchase agreements with MASEN. This long-term commitment ensures financial stability while contributing to Morocco’s goal of achieving 52% renewable electricity generation by 2030,with solar PV expected to contribute 4,500 megawatts of the target capacity.

The projects will prevent approximately 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually,significantly advancing Morocco’s decarbonization efforts. ACWA Power emerged as the preferred bidder after offering competitive tariff structures that included significant free usage cycles of battery storage,with the company securing both contracts based on the lowest levelized cost of electricity for NOOR Midelt 3.

Marco Arcelli,CEO of ACWA Power,emphasized the company’s commitment to Morocco’s energy transition,noting that as Africa’s largest investor with $9.5 billion deployed across the continent,ACWA Power continues advancing sustainable energy solutions. The company already operates several key renewable assets in Morocco,including NOOR I,II,III solar plants and the Khalladi wind farm,totaling 765 megawatts of installed capacity.

With these additions,ACWA Power’s total renewable capacity in Morocco will exceed 1.5 gigawatts,reinforcing its position as the country’s largest private renewable energy investor and supporting Morocco’s emergence as a regional leader in sustainable energy development.