Energy, Wind Energy, and Hydro Energy

Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy, also known as Masen, is a public institution established in 2010 by the Moroccan government to develop and implement renewable energy projects in the country. Masen is responsible for the development, financing, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects in Morocco, with a focus on solar, wind, and hydro energy.

Morocco is a country that is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. The country imports more than 90% of its energy, which puts a significant strain on its economy and environment. To address this challenge, the Moroccan government has set an ambitious target to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Masen plays a critical role in achieving this target by developing and implementing renewable energy projects across the country.

Solar Energy

Masen is primarily known for its work in solar energy. The agency has developed several large-scale solar projects across Morocco, including the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, which is one of the largest solar power plants in the world. The complex consists of four phases, with a total capacity of 580 MW. The first phase, Noor I, has a capacity of 160 MW and was commissioned in 2016. The second phase, Noor II, has a capacity of 200 MW and was commissioned in 2018. The third and fourth phases, Noor III and Noor IV, are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

In addition to the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, Masen has also developed several other solar projects across Morocco. These include the Noor Laayoune Solar Project, which has a capacity of 70 MW, and the Noor Midelt Solar Project, which has a capacity of 800 MW. The Noor Midelt Solar Project is currently under development and is expected to be commissioned in 2022.

Masen's solar projects have not only helped Morocco to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels but have also created job opportunities and contributed to the country's economic development. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, for example, has created more than 2,000 jobs during its construction phase and is expected to create more than 200 permanent jobs during its operation phase.

Wind Energy

In addition to solar energy, Masen is also involved in wind energy projects. The agency has developed several wind farms across Morocco, including the Tarfaya Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 301 MW. The Tarfaya Wind Farm is located in the southern part of Morocco and consists of 131 wind turbines. The project was commissioned in 2014 and is one of the largest wind farms in Africa.

Masen is also developing other wind energy projects across Morocco, including the Boujdour Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 300 MW, and the Taza Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 150 MW. These projects are expected to be commissioned in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Hydro Energy

In addition to solar and wind energy, Masen is also exploring the potential of hydro energy in Morocco. The agency has identified several sites across the country that have the potential for hydro energy development. These include the Abdelmoumen Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project, which has a capacity of 350 MW.

The Abdelmoumen Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project is a unique project that combines both solar and hydro energy. The project involves the construction of a solar power plant that will generate electricity during the day and a pumped storage hydroelectric plant that will store the excess energy generated by the solar plant and release it during the night when the demand for electricity is high.

Conclusion

Masen is a leading renewable energy agency in Morocco that is playing a critical role in the country's transition to a low-carbon economy. The agency has developed several large-scale solar and wind projects across the country, which have helped Morocco to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and create job opportunities. Masen is also exploring the potential of hydro energy in Morocco and is developing innovative projects that combine both solar and hydro energy. With its ambitious targets and innovative projects, Masen is a model for other countries that are looking to transition to a low-carbon economy.