Morocco has initiated construction of the Noor Atlas solar programme as part of its national energy strategy to expand renewable electricity generation and support regional development. The programme has a total installed capacity of 305 MW, with electricity purchase agreements signed between the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water. MASEN will manage the development, financing, construction, and operations of these projects.
The Noor Atlas programme is being deployed across six locations spanning five regions in Morocco. These include Noor Ain Beni Mathar with 121 MW of solar capacity, and Noor Bouanane, with 29 MW of solar capacity in the Oriental region. Additionally, it includes Noor Enjil with 42 MW of solar capacity in Fès-Meknès, Noor Boudnib with 33 MW of solar capacity in Drâa-Tafilalet, Noor Tata with 40 MW of solar capacity in Souss-Massa, and Noor Tan-Tan with 40 MW of solar capacity in Guelmim-Oued Noun.
The project preparation involved site qualification, technical assessments, and financial and legal structuring. Additionally, the implementation is being carried out by Noor Atlas Energy Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of MASEN. The financing structure combines hybrid funding from institutions including KfW, the European Investment Bank, and Bank of Africa. Furthermore, construction activities have been assigned to Moroccan and European contractors selected through a competitive process.
REGlobal’s Views: Morocco aims to have 52 per cent of renewables in its total power capacity by 2030, up from 45.5 per cent as of 2025. Large utility-scale solar projects like these will help the country to achieve its goal in time. Morocco is one of the few global markets which has a large-scale CSP project operational since years. However, a major portion of the country’s renewables capacity is based on hydro power which can impact energy security in the coming years owing to climate change impacts. Thus, Morocco must focus on expanding solar capacity.