Africa's energy potential is considerable. But this potential must be exploited to meet the continent's growing energy needs.

Today, 650 million Africans do not have access to electricity, i.e. more than two-thirds of the population. The energy infrastructure deficit is considered one of the main obstacles to development and progress in Africa. Each year, electricity shortages are estimated to cost some 2-4% of the continent's gross domestic product, which greatly affects prospects for economic growth, job creation and investment.

Against this background, African countries have been gradually building up their generation capacities and diversifying their energy mix. 

Morocco is now establishing itself as a leading country in the field of renewable energy. With the first solar complex NOOR Ouarzazate and its 4 production units, Morocco will be able to produce 580 megawatts, which will supply 1.1 million Moroccans with electricity. In 2020, at the end of a huge construction site initiated in 2010, three other solar power plants will have been built on Moroccan territory, in Midelt, Laâyoune and Boujdour, and it is then 2000 megawatts that will be generated and will participate in reducing Morocco's energy dependency as well as drastically reducing carbon emissions.

Spread over more than 3,000 hectares, Noor Ouarzazate is made up of four multi-technology solar power plants, developed in full compliance with international standards, both technological and environmental, and associated with a research and development platform that extends over more than 150 hectares. 

The NOOR Ouarzazate solar complex, south-east of Marrakech, was the first project developed under this energy strategy. With a capacity of 580 megawatts spread over four plants, this complex is one of the largest solar parks in the world. It currently supplies nearly two million Moroccans with electricity and prevents the release into the atmosphere of nearly one million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year. 

 

An undeniable factor of progress, energy makes it possible to meet the most basic needs of humanity: water, food and health. Supplying Africa with energy while preserving the environment, as in Ouarzazate, is a strategic priority for the African Development Bank, which is helping to lay the foundations for more inclusive and greener growth on the continent.