While deserts are seen as unproductive areas, Morocco built the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest in the world, capable of supplying millions of people using only solar energy.

Written by Felipe Alves da Silva

Published on 18/04/2026 at 17:17

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Ambitious project in the Sahara generates energy for more than 1 million homes, but high costs, use of fossil fuels, and limitations of the electric grid hinder real impact

While deserts are seen as unproductive regions around the world, Morocco decided to bet big and transform the Sahara into one of the largest clean energy laboratories on the planet. However, despite the grandeur of the project, reality reveals a more complex scenario — where innovation coexists with structural challenges.

The information was disclosed by “DW” (Deutsche Welle), based on analyses and interviews with energy sector experts, revealing the behind-the-scenes and contradictions of the ambitious Moroccan plan.

Noor Ouarzazate: the solar mega-structure that impresses the world

Located in the city of Ouarzazate, about 200 kilometers from Marrakech, at the entrance of the Sahara desert, the Noor Ouarzazate plant is today one of the largest solar complexes in the world.

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High energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels still dominate

Despite all this innovation, the direct impact on the lives of the population is still limited. In Ouarzazate, for example, many residents continue to depend on butane gas, not solar energy.

Moreover, electricity remains expensive. On average, Moroccan families spend about US$110 per month, within an average income of approximately US$550 monthly — a significant burden, especially in a hot country where temperatures easily exceed 40°C in the summer.

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This scenario is directly linked to a structural problem: the country still heavily depends on fossil fuels. According to experts, about 48% of greenhouse gas emissions related to energy come from coal, oil, and gas-based generation.

Another critical point is that Morocco imports about 90% of the fossil fuels it consumes, which increases costs and makes the system vulnerable to fluctuations in the international market.

Limited power grid hinders the advancement of renewable energies

In addition to external dependence, another significant obstacle lies in the infrastructure. Although the country already has installed capacity to generate up to 46% of its electricity from renewable sources, in practice, this number is much lower.

This happens because the power grid still cannot fully integrate the energy produced by projects like Noor. In other words, even with high production, part of the clean energy does not reach daily consumption.

Thus, experts point out that the country needs to invest not only in generation but also in:

expansion of the power grid
energy storage systems
modernization of distribution

Without this, the advancement of renewable energies remains limited.

Ambitious goals place Morocco among leaders in energy transition

Still, the country continues with bold plans. Morocco aims to generate:

52% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030
70% of clean energy capacity by 2050

Additionally, there is a commitment to completely eliminate the use of coal by 2040.

Currently, the Noor complex is just one piece of a larger plan, which includes about two dozen solar, wind, and hydro megaprojects already built, along with dozens in development.

Criticism: cost, environmental impact, and little local inclusion

On the other hand, the model also faces criticism. Researchers and organizations point out that megaprojects like Noor may not be the most efficient solution for all contexts.

Among the main concerns are:

high water consumption to clean the mirrors
use of land that was previously utilized by local farmers
little participation from communities in the process
limited benefits for local residents

Additionally, there are reports from residents claiming that the heat generated by solar concentration may have impacted the local temperature.

Another point raised is that decentralized solutions — such as solar panels on the roofs of houses, businesses, and farms — could yield faster and more accessible results.

A global experiment that exposes real challenges of clean energy

In this context, the Noor complex represents something greater than a power plant: it has become a true global experiment.

On one hand, it proves that it is possible to generate clean energy on a large scale even in extreme regions. On the other hand, it reveals that the energy transition involves challenges that are much deeper than just building large projects.

Therefore, the case of Morocco shows that the future of energy depends not only on technology but also on infrastructure, planning, and social inclusion.

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While deserts are seen as unproductive areas, Morocco built the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest in the world, capable of supplying millions of people using only solar energy.

Ambitious project in the Sahara generates energy for more than 1 million homes, but high costs, use of fossil fuels, and limitations of the electric grid hinder real impact

Noor Ouarzazate: the solar mega-structure that impresses the world

High energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels still dominate

Limited power grid hinders the advancement of renewable energies

Ambitious goals place Morocco among leaders in energy transition

Criticism: cost, environmental impact, and little local inclusion

A global experiment that exposes real challenges of clean energy

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While deserts are seen as unproductive areas, Morocco built the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest in the world, capable of supplying millions of people using only solar energy.

Ambitious project in the Sahara generates energy for more than 1 million homes, but high costs, use of fossil fuels, and limitations of the electric grid hinder real impact

Noor Ouarzazate: the solar mega-structure that impresses the world

High energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels still dominate

Limited power grid hinders the advancement of renewable energies

Ambitious goals place Morocco among leaders in energy transition

Criticism: cost, environmental impact, and little local inclusion

A global experiment that exposes real challenges of clean energy

The oldest tree in the world, alive since before the birth of Jesus Christ, is cut down in a scientific study and the case changes environmental preservation rules.

Seen from space, an image taken by an astronaut shows an unlikely oasis in the Saudi Arabian desert, protected by a terrain that slows the advance of sand, surrounded by green circles, remnants of an extinct lake and nearly 10,000 years of preserved history.

While in Brazil a 10-story building takes 2 years to complete, in China a company stacks pre-fabricated modules and raises the entire building in just 28 hours and 45 minutes.

An entire island in the Pacific wants to surround itself with a colossal barrier against the ocean to try to escape increasingly violent waves and not be swallowed by the sea in the coming decades.

After ten days orbiting the Moon, science confirms that the astronauts of the Artemis II mission return with altered bodies.

With 7.4 trillion tons of artificial snow pumped in 10 years, an extreme operation could stabilize the West Antarctic ice sheet and prevent a sea level rise of more than 3 meters, but it would require snow cannons, ocean water, and energy on an almost industrial scale at the end of the world.

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