After a technical shutdown in February 2024, the Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant is back in operation. Commissioned in 2018, the facility uses concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, employing heliostat mirrors to direct sunlight toward a central tower. Thanks to thermal storage using molten salts heated up to 565°C, the plant can continue generating electricity even after sunset. The shutdown was caused by a leak in the hot molten salt tank—one of the system's key components. The failure, attributed to significant thermal and mechanical stress, required a complex and highly technical intervention. The restart was carried out in full compliance with safety standards, drawing on the expertise of MASEN and its partners. Targeted repairs, thorough inspections, and careful planning made it possible to safely resume operations. To enhance long-term reliability, construction is underway on a second, redesigned tank that will reinforce the plant's infrastructure and improve its resilience. Noor Ouarzazate III is once again contributing to Morocco's renewable energy production, in line with the national energy strategy launched in 2009. «This resumption demonstrates the dedication and expertise of our teams», said Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal, CEO of MASEN. «Faced with a demanding technical situation, we responded with rigor, responsibility, and full compliance with international standards».
