Saudi energy group ACWA Power has won a strategic contract for the development of Morocco’s NOOR Midelt 2 and 3 projects, combining 800MW of photovoltaic capacity and 1.2GWh of battery energy storage. The success of this bid is largely attributed to the technological support of Chinese company Gotion High-Tech, which enabled ACWA Power to outperform key competitors such as Engie, Électricité de France (EDF), and Masdar.
A high-density, liquid-cooled storage solution
The solution proposed by Gotion High-Tech features 314Ah cells and a 5MWh liquid-cooled energy storage system. This system has received certification for compliance with the European Union Battery Regulation. It meets local requirements for energy efficiency and land use optimisation, two decisive criteria in project evaluations.
The system is already in mass production at Gotion’s factory in Göttingen, Germany, ensuring a secure and rapid supply chain. This industrial capability was a key differentiator during the tender process, strengthening the operational and technical credibility of ACWA Power’s proposal.
A project aligned with Morocco’s solar strategy
The NOOR Midelt 2 and 3 projects are part of Morocco’s national solar programme, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 52% of electricity production by 2030. The integration of storage solutions allows better management of solar generation intermittency and enhances the country’s energy security.
With this award, ACWA Power becomes the leading private investor in Morocco’s renewable energy sector, with a total installed capacity exceeding 1.5GW. According to ACWA Power Chief Executive Officer Marco Arcelli, this win will support Morocco’s development as a regional sustainable energy hub.
A long-term industrial partnership
The cooperation between Gotion High-Tech and the Moroccan government extends beyond the solar sector. In June 2024, a strategic investment agreement was signed to build a gigafactory dedicated to the production of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems.
Valued at MAD12.8bn ($1.29bn), the factory will have an annual capacity of 20GWh. It aims to localise the value chain in Morocco and consolidate the region’s technological autonomy in battery and energy storage solutions.
