A new concentrated solar plant in Morocco will be the world's largest when completed. It could produce enough energy to power over one million homes by 2018 -- lowering carbon emissions by an estimated 760,000 tons per year. <br />
A new concentrated solar plant in Morocco will be the world's largest when completed. It could produce enough energy to power over one million homes by 2018 -- lowering carbon emissions by an estimated 760,000 tons per year.
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The construction of the plant cost $765 million and is expected to have a capacity to generate 160 MW.
The construction of the plant cost $765 million and is expected to have a capacity to generate 160 MW.
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Solar mirrors at the Noor 1 concentrated solar power plant outside the central Moroccan town of Ouarzazate slowly follow the sun as it moves across the sky during the day.
Solar mirrors at the Noor 1 concentrated solar power plant outside the central Moroccan town of Ouarzazate slowly follow the sun as it moves across the sky during the day.
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On the edge of the Sahara desert the sea of metal mirrors capture the sun's rays and use it to heat a liquid which, when mixed with water reaches 400 degrees Celsius.
On the edge of the Sahara desert the sea of metal mirrors capture the sun's rays and use it to heat a liquid which, when mixed with water reaches 400 degrees Celsius.
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The steam produced from this process drives a turbine and generates electrical power.
The steam produced from this process drives a turbine and generates electrical power.
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Moroccan King Mohammed VI inaugurated the plant on 4 February 2016. He talks here with the French minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, <a href="https://twitter.com/royalsegolene" target="_blank" target="_blank">Segolene Royal</a>.
Moroccan King Mohammed VI inaugurated the plant on 4 February 2016. He talks here with the French minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Segolene Royal.
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The complex, opened in February 2016, is the first of several phases. Morocco is investing heavily in renewable energy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.
The complex, opened in February 2016, is the first of several phases. Morocco is investing heavily in renewable energy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.
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The plant uses concentrated solar power technology which is more expensive to install than photovoltaic panels, but able to store energy for nights and cloudy days.
The plant uses concentrated solar power technology which is more expensive to install than photovoltaic panels, but able to store energy for nights and cloudy days.
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Morocco's environment minister Hakima El Haite walks in front of a solar array in 2015 that is part of the Noor 1 solar power plant, which opened in February 2016.
Morocco's environment minister Hakima El Haite walks in front of a solar array in 2015 that is part of the Noor 1 solar power plant, which opened in February 2016.
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Even at night, the plant will be able to provide energy, thanks to the power of salt. A cylinder full of salt is melted by the warmth from the mirrors, and stays hot enough when the sun goes down to provide up to three hours of power.
Even at night, the plant will be able to provide energy, thanks to the power of salt. A cylinder full of salt is melted by the warmth from the mirrors, and stays hot enough when the sun goes down to provide up to three hours of power.
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This plant is expected to increase the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation from 13% to 42%.
This plant is expected to increase the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation from 13% to 42%.
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