Morocco’s $300mn Noor Atlas solar programme set for 2027 launch

Morocco’s Noor Atlas solar project, which includes six photovoltaic power plants, is expected to enter full operation in 2027, according to a report by Attaqa. 

Total investment in the Noor Atlas project is estimated at MAD 2.8bn ($300mn), and the programme is being implemented under the supervision of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN).

The new programme is expected to strengthen the country’s electricity grid and support growing consumer demand. It involves the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of six solar photovoltaic plants, as reported by the specialised energy channel Energy Platform. 

The initiative is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to expand clean electricity production and accelerate the country’s energy transition.

The six plants will be located in Ain Beni Mathar, Bouanane, Boudnib, Enjil, Tan-Tan, and Tata, with a combined installed capacity of 305MW. 

Financing is based on an innovative structure combining commercial loans from Bank of Africa and concessional financing arranged by MASEN, including preferential loans from Germany’s KfW Development Bank and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

MASEN and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water have signed electricity purchase agreements and launched construction of the photovoltaic project. MASEN will oversee the development, financing, construction, and operation of the plants under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model.

Morocco’s total installed electricity generation capacity reached about 12.02GW by the end of last year, with renewable energy accounting for around 45% of the mix. The country aims to raise the share of renewables to 52% by 2030.