Tangier region to have its first solar power plant

Construction work of the first solar photovoltaic power plant in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, with an installed capacity of 34 megawatts (MWp), was launched Tuesday in the commune of Hjar Nahal, in the Tangier-Assilah prefecture.

The GPM1 solar power, developed by the Green Power Morocco Company for an overall investment of about 370 million dirhams ($36 million), will be built over 5 hectares, and will have an annual production of 67 gigawatt hours (GWh).

In addition, the plant will include more than 91,000 photovoltaic panels equipped with solar trackers to increase the plant’s production capacity.

The production of this photovoltaic plant, intended exclusively for the use of the delegated company of the distribution of drinking water and electricity “Amendis-Tanger”, is equivalent to the average consumption of more than 8,000 households, or more than 5,000 tons of oil, avoiding the emission of 30,000 tons of CO2.

This project aims to strengthen Morocco’s power generation capacity from renewable sources and contribute to reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, in accordance with international commitments made by the Kingdom.

Speaking at the ceremony, CEO of Green Power Morocco, Philip Jenkins, said Morocco was for him as “the American dream”, since he was able to achieve, during the 18 years of his presence in the Kingdom, several investment projects, thanks to the trust and the good business climate.

Director General of the Regional Investment Center (CRI-TTA), Jalal Benhayoun, said this photovoltaic park is the achievement of an integrated vision of the group Green Power.

“This project is the result of joint efforts by various actors at local and central levels, to accelerate the energy and economic transition to a low-carbon model, now imposed and adopted by all international standards,” said Benhayoun, adding “in this context of post-pandemic economic crisis and with the surge in energy prices, the use of renewable energy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for our industrialists, especially exporters.”

Morocco has adopted since 2009 an energy strategy based on sustainability and oriented towards renewable energy, the development of energy efficiency and strengthening regional integration. This strategy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the installed electrical power to more than 52% by 2030.