Africa’s Largest 13 MW Floating Solar Plant Begins Operations In Morocco, Boosting Clean Energy And Water Conservation

H2air PX, the construction division of the France-based H2air Group, has completed a 13 MW floating solar power plant on the Oued Rmel Dam reservoir in northern Morocco. The project is now the largest operational floating solar installation in Africa. The plant is located near the Tanger Med port complex and will provide clean electricity to the industrial and port facilities operated by Tanger Med Utilities.

The floating solar project has been built on three separate photovoltaic islands covering a total area of around 72,870 square meters. The installation includes nearly 22,000 solar panels placed on 400 specially designed floating platforms. The project has been developed not only to generate renewable energy but also to support water conservation in the region.

One of the major environmental benefits of the floating solar plant is its ability to reduce water evaporation from the reservoir. According to the project details, the solar panels help lower evaporation by around 30 percent by limiting direct sunlight from reaching the water surface. This is especially important for northern Morocco, where prolonged drought conditions have increased concerns about water availability. By helping preserve water while producing clean electricity, the project offers a dual environmental advantage.

The construction of the floating solar plant involved several engineering challenges because of the reservoir’s changing water levels. The water depth can vary significantly, with fluctuations ranging from 35 meters to 79 meters, creating a difference of 44 meters. To ensure the floating platforms remain stable under these conditions, H2air PX designed and installed customized anchoring and flotation systems. These systems allow the structure to adjust safely to changing water levels while maintaining reliable power generation.

Since the Oued Rmel Dam also serves as a source of freshwater for nearby communities, the project includes continuous water quality monitoring systems. These systems have been installed to ensure that the floating solar facility operates without affecting the quality of the reservoir’s water and complies with environmental safety requirements.

The project was completed through the combined efforts of several companies. H2air PX managed the overall project, including engineering, electrical substation development, and inverter integration. EnergyDesign was responsible for civil engineering work, site access, and installation activities. Seaflex supplied the marine anchoring technology used to secure the floating structures, while Profloating provided the floating platforms. Together, the partners have delivered a renewable energy project that supports clean power generation, protects water resources, and demonstrates the growing role of floating solar technology in Africa.