Overview
Ain Beni Mathar Centrale Thermosolaire is a 472 MW CCGT power plant in Morocco, combining gas-fired generation with solar thermal integration. It is operated by the Office National de l'Electricite.
Ain Beni Mathar Centrale Thermosolaire is a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant located in eastern Morocco, near the town of Ain Beni Mathar. With a capacity of 472 MW, it is one of the larger gas-fired power plants in the country and plays a key role in Morocco's energy mix. The plant is owned and operated by the Office National de l'Electricite (ONE), with support from the African Development Bank. The facility operates on natural gas and utilizes CCGT technology, which offers higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to conventional gas plants. The integration of a solar thermal component makes it a unique hybrid plant, reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint. Morocco's energy sector is regulated by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development, with policies promoting renewable energy and efficiency. This plant contributes to grid stability and energy security in the region, supplying electricity to residential and industrial consumers. Its hybrid design aligns with Morocco's national strategy to increase renewable energy share and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's location in a semi-arid area benefits from high solar irradiation, enhancing the solar thermal component's performance.
Environmental context
The plant uses natural gas, which produces lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil. The solar thermal integration further reduces fossil fuel consumption and emissions. Located in a semi-arid region, the plant's water usage for cooling is a consideration, though CCGT plants typically require less water than other thermal plants. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with the nearest town being Ain Beni Mathar. The plant's modern technology and hybrid design help mitigate local air quality impacts.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located near Ain Beni Mathar in eastern Morocco, approximately 100 km south of Oujda.
It is a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant with an integrated solar thermal component, making it a hybrid facility.
The plant has a capacity of 472 megawatts (MW).
Morocco's energy sector is regulated by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development, with laws including Law 13-09 on renewable energy and Law 58-15 on energy efficiency. Emission standards align with World Bank guidelines.
The solar thermal component preheats feedwater or generates steam, reducing natural gas consumption and lowering CO2 emissions by approximately 10-15% compared to a conventional CCGT.