Sound Energy, Gaia Partner to Expand Morocco's Solar Power Footprint
Rabat – The British company Sound Energy has partnered exclusively with Gaia Energy Ltd. to develop up to 270 megawatts of solar power across several sites in Morocco.
The two companies will form a joint venture that would benefit from Morocco's untapped solar resources while reducing its deep dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The agreement calls for a vision to construct solar power plants near medium voltage substations, sites strategically chosen to stay near the customer base and maximize utilization of Morocco's deregulated grid.
Gaia, a clean energy firm that operates in 15 countries, has already begun tests and studies at many sites to assess land availability, solar radiation levels, and proximity to the grid.
While partnership is in its infancy, both sides see it as a concrete step towards building energy infrastructure in line with Morocco's general goals.
Once the joint venture comes into effect, the next phase will involve filing grid connection applications, securing regulatory approvals, and negotiating power purchase agreements.
Morocco's test is widely acknowledged. Its energy needs in 2023 were more than 90% from oil, coal, fossil fuels, and gas, much of which was imported.
Of the country's total installed power capacity, around 60% still depends on these resources. Solar, meanwhile, uses only a fraction of 7%, even though more than 3,000 hours of sunlight fall annually on Morocco.
This disequilibrium is counter to Morocco's aspirations of moving toward cleaner energy and reducing its dependence on global energy markets. The country saw an increase in imports of electricity from Europe earlier in the year, even as it attempts to grow domestic production.
The context is urgent for such projects. Morocco is preparing to host international events of significance, such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and the heat is on the modernize the power network.
For Sound Energy, which is better known for its gas projects, the transaction is a major entry into the renewables sector. For Gaia Energy, it highlights its role as an emerging markets developer with the task of bringing clean energy to the country.
The companies define the project as both a business opportunity and as a broader trend, one which indicates recognition that Morocco's future energy cannot forever be dependent on fossil fuels alone.
Morocco is also set to enter the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market for the first time by the end of the year, with Sound Energy nearing completion of a gas liquefaction plant at the Tendrara field in the country's east.
Once fully operational and supported by the development of nearby reserves, the facility is expected to reach a production capacity of up to 40 million cubic feet per day. Tendrara, still under development, ranks among Morocco's largest onshore gas fields, with an estimated 10.67 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Tags: GaiaMorocco solar powerSolar PowerSound Energy
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