Morocco is taking a new step forward in its energy transition. In the Midelt region, the Noor Midelt I project has just reached a major milestone with the signing of its construction contract with the Chinese group China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC).
The project plans around 630 MWp of photovoltaic capacity and nearly 1,300 MWh of battery storage. Once completed, it is expected to become the largest single-site solar-plus-storage complex in Africa, according to CEEC.
Noor Midelt I: turnkey EPC contract with CEEC
China Energy Engineering Corporation has secured the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for Noor Midelt I.
The project has been awarded to a consortium bringing together three entities from the Chinese group. The contract covers studies, design, equipment supply, construction, installation and commissioning.
The figures announced by CEEC are around 630 MWp for photovoltaics and 1,300 MWh for storage. Earlier technical documents mention more precise capacities of 632.85 MWp and 1,323.96 MWh.
A vast solar farm combined with batteries
The distinctive feature of Noor Midelt I is the combination of photovoltaic solar power and electrochemical storage.
The plant will generate electricity during daylight hours. The batteries will then be able to store part of this energy and feed it back into the grid when demand rises.
This system is designed in particular to reduce the impact of solar intermittency. It should also help shave consumption peaks and support grid frequency regulation.
Storage thus becomes a central component of the project, enabling Morocco to better integrate renewable energies into its power system.
Noor Midelt I shifts technology
The project has undergone a major change since it was first awarded.
In 2019, the complex was awarded to a consortium led in particular by EDF Renewables. At that time, the project was based on a mix of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power (CSP).
The current configuration now focuses on photovoltaics combined with batteries. This shift comes in a context of falling storage costs and rapid development of large-scale battery systems.
Midelt at the heart of Morocco’s energy strategy
With Noor Midelt I, the Midelt region confirms its role in the national energy strategy.
Morocco is aiming for 52% of renewable energy in its installed electricity capacity by 2030.
The development of solar and wind power is expected to help the Kingdom reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Storage, for its part, should make it easier to integrate these new capacities into the national grid.
Batteries to meet peak demand
The interest of the project is not limited to generating more renewable electricity.
Storage will make it possible to shift part of solar production to periods when demand is higher. This capability is particularly useful at the end of the day, when photovoltaic output drops while consumption remains high.
The batteries will also be able to contribute to grid stabilisation.
For Morocco, Noor Midelt I therefore represents an additional tool to improve the flexibility of the power system.
Noor Midelt I: a strategic project for the energy transition
The new contract marks significant progress for a project launched several years ago.
The site has not yet entered its production phase. However, the signing of the EPC contract opens a new chapter in its implementation.
With more than 630 MWp of solar power and over 1.3 GWh of storage, Noor Midelt I is set to strengthen Morocco’s renewable energy capacity.
Above all, the project illustrates how the Kingdom’s energy model is evolving: not only producing more green electricity, but also being able to store it and deliver it when the grid needs it most.
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