Our Director of Commercial Strategy, Marcus Gay, recently had an inspiring experience during a trip to Morocco, which serves as a reminder of the global advancements in renewable energy. While travelling from Fes to Marrakech, Marcus had the opportunity to pass by the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex—one of the largest concentrated solar power facilities in the world. Though he chose not to photograph the project due to its sensitive nature, the sight of such cutting-edge technology left a lasting impression. At Blackfish Engineering, we share the same commitment to advancing sustainable solutions across all renewable sectors, from wind and tidal to solar energy.
Marcus’s encounter with Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex reflects a broader global push toward innovation in renewable energy. The project is a significant example of how solar power, particularly in regions like the Sahara Desert, could shape a cleaner, more sustainable future. This energy initiative in Morocco is not just a vision for the future—it’s already happening.
Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex: A Marvel of Solar Technology
The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, located in Morocco, has become a symbol of the country’s commitment to renewable energy. Spanning 6,178 acres, the complex utilises Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) to produce energy. The flagship facility, Noor I, began construction in May 2013 and was followed by expansions in 2018 and 2019. With funding from several investors, including the World Bank, the project cost an impressive $3.9 billion.
What makes Noor I unique is its ability to store energy using molten salt, allowing it to retain energy collected during the day and release it at night. Noor II and Noor III continue to push the envelope, with Noor II producing 600GWh annually and Noor III 500GWh, improving on storage technology with up to 8 hours of energy retention. Noor IV, set to use photovoltaic panels, promises to continue this trajectory of solar innovation.
How Much Energy Does Noor Ouarzazate Produce?
Noor I alone produces 370GWh annually, but combined, Noor I, II, and III generate over 1,470GWh per year. To put this into perspective, Noor covers just 6,178 acres. While this might seem like a drop in the ocean compared to global energy consumption (171,240TWh in 2019), the Sahara Desert, with its 2.273 billion acres, offers a vast untapped potential for solar energy production. Just 116.5 Noor complexes would be required to supply the world with renewable energy based on 2019 demand—a striking example of how solar energy could transform our approach to sustainable power.
Despite these challenges, the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex remains a groundbreaking achievement in renewable energy. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, projects like this will continue to shape a more sustainable future, proving that large-scale solar power can be a key player in the global energy transition.
Blackfish Engineering: Embracing the Future of Energy
At Blackfish Engineering, we understand the importance of sustainable, renewable energy in the global shift toward decarbonisation. Our support for marine renewable energy projects, such as wind, tidal, and wave power, aligns with our broader commitment to innovation and sustainability. Like Morocco’s pioneering solar technology, we are proud to contribute to the renewable energy sector, knowing that advancements in one area of clean energy inspire progress across all sectors.
Marcus’s experience at the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex serves as a reminder of the power of innovation. As the world continues to look toward sustainable solutions, we remain committed to collaborating on cutting-edge projects that help accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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