China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) has won an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract for a complex combining approximately 630MW of solar generation with roughly 1,300MWh (1.3GWh) of battery energy storage system (ESS) capacity in Morocco’s Midelt region, industry publication MEED reported on September 3. Once completed, it is expected to be Africa’s largest single solar-plus-storage complex, it is reported.
The project is reportedly ordered by an entity affiliated with Morocco’s state utility ONEE, with CEEC handling design, equipment procurement, construction, installation and commissioning under a single EPC contract. Located near the existing Noor Midelt I complex, the project combines solar generation with battery storage to improve power supply stability during nighttime hours and peak periods, it is said.
Solar generation capacity is confirmed at approximately 630MW, with battery storage capacity of approximately 1,300MWh (1.3GWh). The contract scope covers design, equipment procurement, construction, installation and commissioning, while the specific contract value has not been disclosed.
Morocco is actively expanding energy storage infrastructure alongside its growing share of renewables such as solar power, to ensure stable operation of intermittent generation sources. This project is reported to be a flagship undertaking reflecting that policy direction.
The growing number of orders for complexes combining solar power with large-scale battery storage shows how EPC contracting structures for renewable energy projects are expanding from standalone generation facilities to integrated generation-plus-storage models. This could also affect the competitive landscape for EPC and equipment supply chains related to renewable energy going forward.
Key points to watch include when construction begins, the contract value, and whether a completion target date is disclosed.