Following the recent awarding of contracts for the Midelt II and Midelt III solar projects to Saudi company ACWA Power, Moroccan energy experts are highlighting the strategic importance of photovoltaic technology in ensuring the success of the country’s renewable energy transition.
Experts say Morocco’s shift toward photovoltaic solar energy signals a move in the right direction, particularly in overcoming past shortcomings associated with concentrated solar power (CSP) technology used at the Noor Ouarzazate complex.
“There are clear technical differences between Morocco’s solar power plants, especially regarding storage technologies,” said Amine Bennouna, an energy expert. “These differences impact operational efficiency and overall plant performance.”
Bennouna noted that while the Noor Ouarzazate project has faced several technical challenges, the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Midelt offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.
“Photovoltaic energy is significantly cheaper per kilowatt-hour than solar thermal power,” he said. “This makes PV a more competitive and economically viable option.”
Despite advancements in wind energy, Bennouna pointed out that Morocco is still lagging behind its solar energy goals, citing delays in solar production rollout.
On the potential role of emerging technologies, he said artificial intelligence is not yet used in energy production but could eventually improve solar plant maintenance and failure prediction, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Abdelali Tahiri Idrissi, a renewable energy and climate change expert, said the Midelt II and III stations are major additions to Morocco’s solar energy sector.
He welcomed the involvement of a globally recognized investor like ACWA Power, saying its participation is a strategic milestone in Morocco’s efforts to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and achieve sustainable development.
“The development of these two stations will help accelerate Morocco’s national energy transition,” Tahiri said, adding that the projects are central to the country’s renewable energy policy. “They will increase the share of renewables in the national energy mix, strengthen energy security, and reduce harmful emissions.”
Tahiri said that the lessons learned from technical issues at Noor Ouarzazate have helped Morocco refine its solar energy strategies and adopt more efficient technologies moving forward.
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