Rabat – The Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant has resumed electricity generation 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 that started in 2018 busy Concentrated Solar Power Tower technology using a field of Heliostat mirror, which lead sunlight to a recipient at the upper edge of a central tower. The energy is then stored as heat in melted salts, so that the plant can continue to generate electricity even without direct sunlight.
A leak in one of the thermal warehouse tanks forced The shutdown of the system in February 2024. These tanks are of crucial importance under extreme thermal conditions for the operation of the establishment. Specialists of the system used their expertise and sophisticated technical resources to replace the damaged component and to remedy the functional disorder.
“This restart is the result of the strong mobilization of our teams on site. It shows our ability to tackle complex situations with methodology and responsibility,” said Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal from Masen.
The restarting process was followed by a strict approach that included improved review procedures and a number of tests to ensure optimal security conditions. This success is the fruit of a common coordination with the industrial partners of Masen and in accordance with international security and performance standards.
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In the meantime, the agency started building a new warehouse tank that offers better resistance to heat cycles. The aim is to increase the reliability of the entire system and to improve the heat storage capacity of the device.
The resumption of the service by the facility means It will revive its central role in the most important role of Morocco as an African hub in the production of renewable energies.
“This performance reaffirms the Moroccan specialist knowledge in renewable energies and supports the energy transfer of the kingdom,” remarked Moufaddal. He also spoke about how the restart of the country illustrates the latest energy infrastructure with strict, resilience and responsibility in a constantly developing sector.
Noor Ouarzazate III embodies the broader vision of Morocco to transmit its strategy for energy generation and opt for renewable, natural, clean and environmentally friendly energy.
The country intensified the efforts through the start of many major projects in order to contribute to international shift towards clean energy. Morocco has positioned these projects as a leading country in energy transition and thus strengthen its strategy for sustainable development.
