ACWA Power wins 350-MW CSP tender in Morocco

The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (Masen) chose a tie-up led by ACWA Power International of Saudi Arabia to build around 350 MW of concentrated solar power (CSP) capacity in Ouarzazate. The EUR-1.7-billion (USD 2bn) contract is for the 200-MW Noor II parabolic mirror plant and the Noor III solar power tower facility, according to a press release. The consortium also includes Sener Grupo De Ingeneria SA of Spain. Financing for the projects is coming from the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Germany’s KfW. There is financial support also from the European Commission and European Investment Bank […]

By Derick Lila January 13, 20150

The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (Masen) chose a tie-up led by ACWA Power International of Saudi Arabia to build around 350 MW of concentrated solar power (CSP) capacity in Ouarzazate.

The EUR-1.7-billion (USD 2bn) contract is for the 200-MW Noor II parabolic mirror plant and the Noor III solar power tower facility, according to a press release.

The consortium also includes Sener Grupo De Ingeneria SA of Spain. Financing for the projects is coming from the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Germany’s KfW. There is financial support also from the European Commission and European Investment Bank (EIB).

The two CSP plants, planned to start work in 2017, represent the second phase of a project in Ouarzazate. Phase I, a 160-MW facility, is nearing completion. That project is again led by ACWA.

The Saudi Arabian group’s consortium won the contract with bids of MAD 1.36 (USD 0.148/EUR 0.124) per kWh for Noor II and MAD 1.42/kWh for Noor III. Its competitor in the tender was a lie-up led by Spanish firm Acciona (MCE:ANA).

According to a report by Reuters, Masen is expected to soon give details on the tender process for two other solar parks in Midelt and Tata. Each is seen to have a capacity of 500 MW.

SeeNews Renewables | January 12, 2015