Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has launched the Noor Atlas solar programme, aimed at expanding renewable energy capacity and strengthen its clean power sector.
The initiative will develop several solar power plants across the country with a combined generation capacity of about 305 megawatts (MW), supporting Morocco’s strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
The Noor Atlas programme will consist of multiple solar photovoltaic (PV) plants located in different regions, including Outat El Haj, Enjil, and Boudnib. By spreading the projects across several locations, Morocco aims to increase electricity production while improving the resilience and stability of the national power grid. A distributed solar network allows energy to be delivered more efficiently to different parts of the country and helps minimize the risk of supply interruptions.
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Economic and social impact
Beyond energy generation, the programme is expected to deliver meaningful economic and social benefits. During the construction phase, the projects will create numerous employment opportunities for local communities. Once operational, the plants will require technicians, engineers, and other skilled professionals to manage operations and maintenance. The development of these facilities is also expected to support local supply chains and further build technical expertise in the renewable energy sector.
Funding for the Noor Atlas initiative comes from a combination of domestic resources and international financial support, highlighting strong global interest in Morocco’s renewable energy market. International investors and development institutions have shown growing confidence in the country’s regulatory environment and long-term clean energy policies.
Morocco has already gained international recognition for large-scale renewable projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s largest solar energy installations. The success of earlier developments has helped position the country as a leading renewable energy hub in the Middle East and North Africa.
The government has set an ambitious objective of generating more than 52% of its installed electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2030. Expanding solar energy capacity through programmes like Noor Atlas will be crucial in meeting this target, while also helping reduce carbon emissions and limit the environmental impact of fossil fuel-based electricity generation. As the Noor Atlas solar plants gradually come online, they will deliver clean electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across Morocco, reinforcing the country’s long-term transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
