- Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate III solar plant resumed operations after a year-long shutdown due to a thermal storage tank leak.
- The restart reinforces Morocco’s leadership in renewable energy and supports its push towards sustainable and clean energy.
The Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant has resumed electricity production after being shut down for over a year due to a technical incident. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) confirmed the facility’s successful restart, which is key to Morocco’s energy transition strategy.
Operational since 2018, the Noor Ouarzazate III plant uses concentrated solar power (CSP) tower technology. It features a vast heliostat mirror field that reflects sunlight onto a central tower receiver. The system stores the captured heat in molten salts, enabling the plant to generate electricity without direct sunlight.
In February 2024, a leak in one of the plant’s high-temperature thermal storage tanks forced operations to halt. These tanks operate under extreme thermal conditions and are vital to the plant’s performance. To resolve the issue, technical specialists replaced the damaged component using advanced tools and expert knowledge.
MASEN’s CEO, Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal, praised the team’s efforts: “This restart is the result of our teams’ strong mobilisation on the ground. It demonstrates our ability to address complex situations with methodology and responsibility.”
The recovery process followed a detailed and methodical approach. Engineers conducted a series of safety tests and implemented enhanced verification procedures to ensure the plant met international standards before resuming operations.
MASEN has also begun constructing a new thermal storage tank with greater resistance to thermal stress. The upgrade aims to improve overall system reliability and increase heat storage capacity.
With the plant back online, it resumes its vital role in reinforcing Morocco’s position as a renewable energy leader in Africa.
“This achievement reaffirms Moroccan expertise in renewable energy and supports the country’s energy transition,” Moufaddal added. “It also reflects our ability to manage sophisticated energy infrastructure with resilience and precision in a rapidly evolving sector.”
The revival of Noor Ouarzazate III underscores Morocco’s broader vision to shift away from fossil fuels and embrace clean, sustainable energy. Through numerous ambitious projects, Morocco continues to carve out its role as a key player in the global transition to greener power.