Morocco launches tender for 260 MW solar project

Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) has launched a call for tender for the construction of seven solar photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of 260 MW.

The project is part of MASEN’s Noor Atlas solar programme implemented by Onee which aims to develop solar energy in remote areas of Morocco, in line with the kingdom’s objective of increasing the share of renewable energy to 52% by 2030. European Investment Bank (EIB), is financing the programme to the tune of US $131M. The programme will enable Morocco to diversify its electricity mix and help reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels.

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The project will be divided into two phases. Phase one will see construction of five plants in Ain Beni Mathar (42 MW) and Bouanane (30 MW) in the Oriental region, in Outat el Haj (36 MW) and Enjil (42 MW) in the Fez-Meknes region, and in Boudnib (36 MW) in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.

The second part includes development of Tan-Tan solar photovoltaic plants in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region and the Tata plant in the Souss-Massa region, each having a capacity of 36 MW.  Companies interested in MASEN’s call for expressions of interest have until 30 October 2022 to submit their bids.

“Law 38-16 provides for the transfer of the renewable assets of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to MASEN. It is within this framework, and following the pre-qualification phase organised by Onee, MASEN’s historical partner, that the call for tenders launched today by MASEN will enable the selection of the constructor(s) (EPC) from among the eight pre-qualified companies/consortiums,” the Moroccan public body states.