Saudi ACWA is set to dominate Morocco's renewables

Significance

Once completed, the Noor project will be the largest solar energy facility in the world, producing 580 MW. The expansion of renewable energy in Morocco is essential to reducing the country's growing dependence on imported energy.

Impacts

• Successful expansion of renewable energy technologies will lead Morocco to re-evaluate coal import growth and its need for imported gas.
• If Morocco's renewables succeed, this would also demonstrate a low carbon pathway for North African states based on domestic industry.
• In the longer term, it is likely to revive European interest in potential electricity imports from North Africa's solar resources.