Anas El Arkoubi
elmahdi kourdi
Al Akhawayn University
Mary Grace Neville
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Masen’s objective is to lead a development program of integrated projects for the production of electricity with a total minimum additional capacity of 3,000 MW by 2020 and 6,000 MW by 2030. The three main sustainable energies used to achieve this objective are the solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric energy.
As part of the national renewable energy development program that aims to increase the part of installed electrical power from renewable energy sources to 42% by 2020 and 52% by 2030, Masen’s objective is to lead a development program of integrated projects for the production of electricity with a total minimum additional capacity of 3,000 MW by 2020 and 6,000 MW by 2030. Masen’s innovation in sustainable energy is leading the improved governance of the Kingdom’s energy ecosystem. Since it was founded in 2010 and thanks to its unique operating model, Masen has successfully risen to the challenge of implementing the Moroccan Noor Solar Project.
As a single dedicated point of contact, present at each step of the value chain, Masen provides a highly efficient approach through the innovative legal and financial structuring of energy projects, and the optimization of risks and the integrated nature of their development. Lastly, Masen’s organizational structures, a public-owned company with public capital, makes it an organization that combines the flexibility of the private sector with the strong backing of the State.
Based on the long-term vision, which accounts for trends and developments in the global energy situation that will emerge over the course of the coming decades, Masen is making energy availability, security of supply, and environmental protection its top priorities.
The Kingdom of Morocco has resolutely sought to ensure that its proactive policy on sustainable development and environmental protection is in line with the international community’s global effort. Therefore, the objective of securing 42% of the country’s energy mix from renewable sources by 2020 has recently been increased to 52% by 2030. Morocco’s ambitious, substantial "Intended, Nationally Determined Contribution" under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change confirms the Kingdom’s avant-garde approach. During COP21, the Kingdom stated a national goal of a 13% reduction in GG emissions by 2030. Furthermore, as Mr. Obaid Amrane, which is a member of the executive board, stated: "Masen will also intervene in the field of R & D, in terms of research and innovation, and also aims to be a local development actor in the areas where it will be settled". They will have a number of initiatives for the public to benefit from the positive impacts of such central, on employment, investment, and access to infrastructure.
Founded in 2010, Masen is the company responsible for harnessing Morocco’s renewable energy, thus making the kingdom’s commitment to clean energy a reality. Masen’s expert team then researched the best technology for each side, selecting the one that would generate optimal yields and which would best meet the country’s electricity needs. The Noor Ouarzazate project is a multi-technology solar complex boasting CSP trials, CSP towers, and photovoltaic. Meanwhile, at Noor Midelt, the company opted for hybrid technology combining CSP and photovoltaic in a single cloud. Great advantages have been in energy storage, meaning that the two Ouarzazate power plants are now able to generate electricity for up to seven hours after the sun has set.
For wind farms, Masen has chosen to pursue onshore projects, which are currently the most competitive. Masen also builds roads and connection infrastructure for water, electricity, and telecommunications. In addition, Masen regularly carries out meticulous operations of all its equipment and facilities to ensure that the power plants are as long-lasting as the energy sources they are built to harness. Masen’s expert knowledge has earned it a reputation as one of the leading specialists in renewable energy production today. Now Masen is keen to put their knowledge to work for their partner counties in Africa, where demand for such expertise is high.
To guarantee Morocco’s position as a major player in renewables both on the continent and globally, Masen is implementing synergies on multiple levels: strategic synergies, organizational and relational synergies, and synergies between energy and technology.
As Morocco’s central institutional operator in the field of renewable energy, acts as a facilitator with respect to institutional stakeholders, investors and developers, manufacturers and to the scientific community, as well as local authorities and populations. The synergies then created between the various stakeholders make it possible, amongst other things, to optimize the management of the different processes by capitalizing on the similarity of the interfaces and maximize the quality of the positioning with the various stakeholders, especially international ones, in the value chain.
To maximize the development and management of its projects, Masen looks for synergy effect at all stages of the renewable energy production process. This is reflected in a combination of skills and expertise, through a comprehensive value chain. This is also embodied by building on the experiences and background of human resources, speeding up the implementation of the national strategy and limiting risks.
Lastly, having a single player lead on renewable energy makes it possible to identify optimal and innovative configurations for the requirements of the electricity grid. In this way, Masen makes the best use of the specific features of each renewable energy. As far as the choice of a certain technology or combination of technologies is concerned, this is driven by the need to effectively meet consumption needs.
Masen's integrated approach to development combines social, economic, and environmental aspects, in order to positively impact the areas near the renewable energy projects, the regional perimeter and ultimately the entirety of Morocco. By leading the expansion of renewables, Masen is turning natural energy into a source of development. As part of the country's socio-economic development, Masen is helping reduce inequalities and sustain a national economic growth, with a constant desire to protect the environment.
Before developing any projects, Masen makes sure not to disrupt any existing sites. For this reason, the locations chosen are always far from major population centers and are situated outside of any protected natural environment, so that their development cannot have a negative impact on the environment or cause any conflicts of usage. In addition, Masen works to define prerequisites for sustainable human development, in order for the national energy transition to serve the socioeconomic betterment of the sites that are home to electrical generation units.
Economically, high value-added renewable projects directly or indirectly create new job opportunities. Masen aims to set a virtuous cycle in motion in this sector, both on a local and national scale.
Environmentally, Masen pays close attention to identifying potential impacts of projects on the environment throughout their development. Mitigation measures aimed at avoiding, reducing, or offsetting the identified effects are put in place in order to encourage the projects' integration into their surroundings.
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Obaid Amrane, Member of the Executive Board
A privately owned Moroccan company with public capital, Masen was created in 2010 with the aim of promoting sustainable energy resources in all their aspects. As part of the national renewable energy development program, Masen’s objective is to increase the part of installed electrical power from renewable energy sources to 42% by 2020 and 52% by 2030.