The largest thermosolar plant with Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) technology was officially inaugurated on May 12 in Ain Beni Mathar, Morocco. Construction, operation, and maintenance for the project were carried out by the Office National de l’Electricité (ONE) and Abener with a generating capacity of 470 MW.
The ISCC plant combines solar energy and conventional generation. The solar field composed of parabolic trough collectors depends on an effective reflective surface of more than 180,000 sq meters with a capacity to produce 22 MW. The remaining 450 MW is derived from a steam turbine, 150 MW, and two additional gas turbines, each 150 MW.
Strategically located between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Morocco is plowing into the alternative energy scene. And while the country has significant gas reserves, it is the only North African country without its own oil production importing 96% of its energy.
Other solar projects include the $9 billion solar energy project, announced in November, that would provide 38% of the country’s installed power generation once complete – which is anticipated by 2020 (Morocco Unveils Its $9B Solar Energy Project). The first round of bidding was expected to begin at the end of February including Spain’s Abengoa predicted to be top contenders having already a hand in other projects in the country. German competitors could include Siemens and RWE – which are also onboard for the North African Sahara project that could potentially supply enough solar power to power the entire European Union (Desertec’s New JV Plans Sahara Energy Export in Five Years).
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