China-constructed solar power complex in Morocco begins synchronization to grid

The second phase of Morocco's giant solar power complex, Noor II, successfully began synchronization to the grid on January 10, 2018, according to the project's Chinese contractor.

This first grid synchronization is regarded as a step on Morocco's way towards renewable energy.

A photo of the Noor II 200 MW parabolic trough concentrated solar power (CSP) project, which has a storage capacity of 7.3 hours. [File Photo: powerchina.cn]

The Noor II 200 MW parabolic trough concentrated solar power (CSP) project, with 7.3 hours of storage after sunset, is part of the Moroccan Solar Energy Programme (NOOR) Ouarzazate Solar Complex.

Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Noor facility is expected to produce over 500 MW when fully completed, making it the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. One million families will benefit from the project.

The project is aimed at meeting the energy demands of Morocco, which currently largely depends on imports.

The first stage of the project, Noor I, a 160 MW parabolic trough CSP plant with three hours of storage, was completed in 2016.

Noor II and III, the project's second and third phrases, involve two contractors including the SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Corporation, a subsidiary of the Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA).

The project has promoted technical and commercial exchanges between China and Morocco and is reported to have generated approximately 4,000 jobs for Moroccans.