Morocco has taken another decisive step in its energy transition with the inauguration of its first floating solar power plant. The new facility, located on the Oued Rmel dam reservoir, has a generation capacity of 13MW and is designed to supply clean electricity directly to the Tanger Med port complex.
The project marks a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey, combining sustainable electricity production with natural resource preservation. The deployment of floating photovoltaic (PV) technology is particularly strategic. Unlike traditional ground-mounted solar plants, the panels are installed on the surface of the dam reservoir.
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Benefits
This approach brings two major benefits: it reduces the evaporation of water an issue that can account for up to 30% of total reservoir volume losses in hot and dry climates and it provides a reliable source of renewable power for one of the region’s most important industrial and logistics hubs. In addition to supplying green electricity, the Oued Rmel dam continues to play a critical role in providing drinking water to the port complex, underscoring the importance of integrating energy and water security in national planning.
Officials emphasized that the initiative supports Morocco’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through greater reliance on renewable energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By deploying floating photovoltaic technology, the plant addresses both energy security and water conservation two of the country’s strategic priorities. Floating solar panels can limit water losses from reservoirs by up to 30%, a critical benefit for water-scarce regions.
The Oued Rmel dam not only powers industrial operations but also provides drinking water to the port complex, underlining the project’s dual role in resource preservation and sustainability. The launch follows Tanger Med Group’s recent call for tenders for the design and construction of the floating solar farm, part of its broader decarbonization program. The development adds to Morocco’s growing portfolio of renewable energy projects, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in the clean energy transition.
