Belgian director Jérôme Le Maire presented his documentary 'Du soleil et du plomb' at the Visions du Réel festival in Nyon on April 21, 2026. The film investigates the social and environmental impact of Morocco's Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the world's largest concentrated solar power plants.
According to the film, the project has displaced local communities and disrupted traditional livelihoods, while the use of molten salt and lead in the plant's storage system raises environmental concerns. Le Maire's work highlights the paradox of 'clean energy' causing harm to vulnerable populations.
The Moroccan government has defended the project as a key part of its renewable energy strategy, aiming to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. However, critics argue that the benefits have not reached affected communities.
Le Maire's documentary has sparked debate about the true cost of the green transition in North Africa.
