Solar panels buoyed in Morocco's water bodies, aimed at conserving water and producing electricity.
In the heart of Tangier, Morocco, a pioneering project is underway. Over 400 floating platforms, each adorned with several thousand solar panels, have been installed in the city's reservoir. This innovative technology, known as floatovoltaic panels, is designed to generate electricity while protecting the water's surface from the sun, and more importantly, to help combat the country's water crisis.
Climate science professor Mohammed-Said Karrouk has referred to the project as "pioneering," highlighting its potential to revolutionise Morocco's energy and water management. The energy produced by these panels is planned to power the Tanger Med port complex, a significant step towards sustainable energy production.
The floating solar panels are not just a novelty in Tangier. Similar technology is being tested in France, Indonesia, and Thailand, while China already operates some of the world's largest floating solar farms. This global interest underscores the potential of these panels as a viable solution to water and energy challenges.
Morocco's water reserves have been severely affected by declining rainfall and high temperatures. Official data shows that water reserves fed by rainfall have fallen by nearly 75 percent in the past decade compared with the 1980s, dropping from an annual average of 18 billion cubic metres to only five. This has led to a significant loss of water resources, with Morocco losing the equivalent of over 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools every day to evaporation between October 2022 and September 2023.
To address this issue, Karrouk has suggested that an urgent priority should be transferring surplus water from northern dams to regions in central and southern Morocco that are more impacted by the years-long drought. The government plans to expand desalination production to 1.7 billion cubic metres yearly by 2030 to combat water shortages, currently producing about 320 million cubic metres of potable water a year.
Authorities also plan to plant trees along the banks of the reservoir to reduce winds and potentially reduce evaporation. In addition, they plan to install 22,000 floating solar panels, covering about 10 hectares at the Tangier reservoir. Once completed, the system is expected to generate 13 megawatts of electricity, enough to power the Tanger Med complex.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) plans to install 22,000 additional solar panels on reservoirs near the cities of Oued El Makhazine in the north and Lalla Takerkoust in Marrakesh. Assessment studies are underway for two similar projects in these locations.
However, challenges remain. The reservoir's size and irregular surface might not allow for complete coverage with floating panels, which could be damaged with fluctuating water levels. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of these pioneering projects are clear, and they represent an important gain in a context of increasingly scarce water resources.
The government's efforts to combat water shortages and promote sustainable energy are commendable. With the implementation of these innovative solutions, Morocco is setting an example for other countries facing similar challenges. The kingdom's approach to water conservation, harnessing the power of the sun, and leveraging technology is a testament to its commitment to a sustainable future.
