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Morocco postpones opening of world's largest solar power project | Morocco postpones opening of world's largest solar power project |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Morocco has postponed without explanation the inauguration of Noor-1, a solar power plant due to open Sunday in Ouarzazate, part of what will eventually be the world’s largest solar power production facility. | Morocco has postponed without explanation the inauguration of Noor-1, a solar power plant due to open Sunday in Ouarzazate, part of what will eventually be the world’s largest solar power production facility. |
When asked by AFP, the communications agency that organised the inauguration on behalf of Moroccan solar energy agency Masen gave no reasons for the last-minute delay. | When asked by AFP, the communications agency that organised the inauguration on behalf of Moroccan solar energy agency Masen gave no reasons for the last-minute delay. |
Related: Morocco poised to become a solar superpower with launch of desert mega-project | Related: Morocco poised to become a solar superpower with launch of desert mega-project |
With an electricity production capacity of 160 megawatts, Noor-1 is supposed to allow Morocco to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. | With an electricity production capacity of 160 megawatts, Noor-1 is supposed to allow Morocco to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. |
The complex should allow Morocco to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 240,000 tons per year, according to estimates from the energy ministry. | The complex should allow Morocco to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 240,000 tons per year, according to estimates from the energy ministry. |
The project’s next phases – Noor 2 and Noor 3 – are to follow in 2016 and 2017, and a call for tenders is open for Noor 4. | The project’s next phases – Noor 2 and Noor 3 – are to follow in 2016 and 2017, and a call for tenders is open for Noor 4. |
Once all phases are complete, Noor will be “the largest solar power production facility in the world”, its developers say, covering an area of 30 sq km (11.6 sq miles). | |
It will generate 580 megawatts and provide electricity to a million homes. | It will generate 580 megawatts and provide electricity to a million homes. |
Morocco has scarce oil and gas reserves, and is the biggest importer of energy in the Middle East and North Africa. | Morocco has scarce oil and gas reserves, and is the biggest importer of energy in the Middle East and North Africa. |
The plant is part of a vision to move beyond this heavy dependency and raise renewable energy production to 42% of its total power needs by 2020. |
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