Morocco has officially commissioned the Oued Rmel floating solar plant, establishing the largest operational floating photovoltaic facility on the African continent. Located at the Tanger Med port complex, the 13 MWp installation represents a significant advancement in the region’s renewable energy infrastructure. By utilizing a mountain reservoir, the project generates clean power without occupying land, supplying approximately 14 percent of the industrial electricity demand for the port. This floating solar plant consists of three distinct islands covering nearly 10 hectares of the reservoir surface, demonstrating a scalable approach to energy transition.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Impact
The facility features roughly 22,000 solar panels secured to 400 engineered platforms. These systems are designed to remain stable despite water level fluctuations of up to 44 meters and depths reaching 79 meters. Beyond electricity generation, the installation serves a critical role in water conservation by reducing surface evaporation by an estimated 30 percent. This is vital for the reservoir, which typically loses between 3,000 and 7,000 cubic meters of water daily. The project effectively demonstrates how renewable energy can address both power needs and resource scarcity through innovative engineering and strategic placement.
With the completion of this project, Morocco has more than doubled the total operational floating solar capacity in Africa, which previously stood at 6.22 MWp. This development aligns with the national target to derive 52 percent of installed electricity capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030. While Africa currently has a development pipeline of 2.3 GWp for similar projects, research indicates a theoretical potential of 100 GW across the continent’s artificial reservoirs. The Oued Rmel floating solar plant serves as a model for future clean power initiatives, emphasizing resource management and long-term sustainability. This expansion of infrastructure and capacity highlights the continent’s commitment to sustainability through advanced photovoltaic technology.