Morocco fixes Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant after breakdown

The Moroccan agency for sustainable energy MASEN said it has switched on Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant after a 14-month breakdown.

The breakdown highlights the dysfunctions with the CSP technology used in the plant which has experienced recurrent breakdowns.

The 150-megawatt plant had shut down in February 2024 after a storage breakdown that the operating company said would cost up to 47 million dollars.

“To ensure long-term reliability, a second reservoir with an improved design is currently being built. It will complement the existing infrastructure and strengthen operational resilience,” MASEN said in a statement.

Most of Morocco’s renewable energy comes from wind, followed by solar. The country is close to reaching its target of increasing the share of renewables to 52% of its energy capacity.