Researchers from Morocco have developed a novel mooring system for floating PV systems that automatically adjusts to water-level changes, reducing platform motion without the need for active control or external energy. The system, based on a counterweight-and-pulley mechanism, showed significant reduction in horizontal displacement and achieved a high tracking efficiency of 75%. This passive mooring system offers a mechanically simple design for stable FPV installations in remote, low-maintenance environments. Future research will focus on scaling up, testing with real hydrodynamic loading, and field pilot deployment after the system's proof of concept was presented in a study published in Scientific Reports.
Tag: Morocco
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World Bank backs Morocco pumped storage project
The World Bank has approved $265m in financing for the Ifahsa pumped storage hydropower project in Morocco, which will support the integration of additional renewable generation into the country's electricity system. This project will enable the addition of at least 1GW of solar and wind capacity to the national grid, displacing approximately three terawatt-hours of fossil fuel generation annually and avoiding an estimated 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The construction of the project is expected to create around 820 direct jobs annually, with additional employment linked to the renewable energy capacity enabled by the project. The financing package includes lending from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, concessional funding from the Clean Technology Fund, and a grant from the Livable Planet Fund, with co-financing from the African Development Bank and implementation by Morocco's Office National de l'Électricité et de l'Eau potable (ONEE).
https://www.power-technology.com/news/world-bank-backs-morocco-pumped-storage-project/
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Morocco’s whole-of-government approach to climate policy in action
Morocco has prioritized climate change on its policy agenda, adopting a "whole-of-government" approach with support from the World Bank Group. The country is focusing on clean energy transition to address climate impacts on jobs, particularly in rural areas reliant on agriculture. Aligning its 2025 NDCs with the 2026-2028 budget, Morocco is implementing Climate Budget Tagging and other initiatives like greening public procurement and developing Green Sovereign Bonds. Despite challenges in policy implementation, collaboration with international partners is helping turn climate ambition into an executable roadmap.
https://www.preventionweb.net/news/moroccos-whole-government-approach-climate-policy-action
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The Jewish Cemeteries Giving Life to Morocco’s Muslim Communities
The House of Life project in Morocco, facilitated by the High Atlas Foundation, is utilizing Jewish burial sites to establish organic fruit tree and medicinal plant nurseries for Muslim villagers, promoting interfaith bonds and poverty alleviation. Nearly 300,000 tree saplings have been distributed to farming families since 2012, crucial for Morocco's vulnerability to climate change and need for millions of trees to combat deforestation and food insecurity. This initiative benefits both Muslim villagers and Moroccan Jews by restoring deteriorated sites, promoting cultural integration, and supporting livelihood development in the region.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/morocco-jewish-cemeteries-give-life-to-muslim-farms/
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Energy Transition and Critical Minerals in Morocco – PACJA – Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance
The United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is addressing the projected increase in demand for these minerals by 2030 and 2040. The workshop in Morocco focused on fair policies for mineral extraction and renewable energy to mitigate negative impacts. The African Energy Chamber predicts a rise in renewables in Africa's power generation mix, with North Africa potentially exporting electricity and green hydrogen to Europe. Participants discussed guidelines for strengthening governance, financing, and regulation of value chains to promote low-carbon industrial development and emphasized the importance of Just Energy Transition and Responsible Governance. Key proposals included creating synergies between energy, mobility, and hydrogen storage through public-private partnerships and innovation to promote sustainable development.
https://pacja.org/energy-transition-and-critical-minerals-in-morocco/
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The Hydrogen Stream: EWE begins work on 320 MW hydrogen plant in Germany
Construction of hydrogen plants in Germany and Japan, along with research advancements in electrolysis technology, are key developments in the push for green hydrogen solutions. Moroccan researchers emphasize the importance of integrating desalination technologies to maximize green hydrogen potential. Additionally, a research team has made progress in decreasing the degradation rate in oxygen production, moving towards a commercially viable electrolyzer. NASA's selection of suppliers for liquid hydrogen highlights the growing demand for clean fuel sources, with contracts totaling approximately $147.2 million. These advancements signal a promising future for climate solutions experts working towards a more sustainable energy landscape.