Morocco has inaugurated a 100-megawatt floating solar power plant at the Tanger Med port complex, making it the largest installation of its kind in Africa. The project, developed by the Moroccan agency for sustainable energy (MASEN) in partnership with the port authority, is part of the country's strategy to increase renewable energy to 52% of its installed capacity by 2030.
The floating solar panels are installed on a reservoir within the port area, covering approximately 100 hectares. The plant is expected to generate about 200 GWh per year, enough to power around 100,000 homes, and will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes annually.
This initiative aligns with Morocco's commitment to clean energy and its goal to become a regional energy hub. The Tanger Med port, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, will use a portion of the electricity for its own operations, while the rest will be fed into the national grid.
The project also aims to demonstrate the viability of floating solar technology in the region, which can be deployed on water bodies without occupying valuable land. This is particularly relevant for Morocco, which has significant solar potential but also faces land constraints in some areas.
The inauguration marks a significant step in Africa's renewable energy transition, showcasing how large-scale infrastructure can integrate sustainable solutions.
