Morocco's Hydropower Dams Could Be Harnessed for Solar Power
Economy
Morocco's hydropower dams could be harnessed for solar power, according to a study published in the scientific journal npj Clean Energy.
The study, conducted by Moroccan researchers Abdelmalek Essaadi and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, suggests that covering 40% of the surface of Morocco's classical hydropower dams with floating solar panels (FPV) could theoretically meet the country's entire electricity demand.
Morocco's electricity production reached 42.38 TWh in 2023, and the country aims to increase the share of renewables to 52% of the electricity mix by 2030.
However, the study highlights the urgency of water conservation, as Morocco loses 909 million cubic meters of water per year due to evaporation on its dams, which cover a total area of approximately 433 square kilometers.
The conservation of water is a more pressing issue than electricity production, given the prolonged drought affecting the country.
The study suggests that the installation of solar panels on 1% of the total surface area of the dams, approximately 4.3 square kilometers, would already contribute significantly to the country's energy needs.
A pilot project at the Oued Rmel dam, near Tanger, aims to install 22,000 solar panels covering 10 hectares of the reservoir, producing 13 MW of electricity.
However, experts caution that the production of solar energy from floating panels is limited to daytime hours, and significant investments in energy transportation infrastructure would be required to meet the country's energy demand.
The cost of solar energy from floating panels is also higher than that of terrestrial solar panels.
The study's findings highlight the potential of harnessing solar power from hydropower dams, but also underscore the need for careful planning and investment in energy infrastructure to meet Morocco's growing energy demands.
The Moroccan government's strategy to increase the share of renewables in the electricity mix by 2030 is a positive step, but the country's energy challenges require a more comprehensive approach that addresses both water conservation and energy production.
The successful implementation of solar power from hydropower dams could have significant implications for Morocco's energy sector, and it is essential to carefully consider the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of such a project.")