• Morocco tests floating solar at Oued Rmel dam (13 MW) to produce green energy for Tanger Med.

• The project aims to cut water evaporation by 30% amid drought, preserving vital resources.

• Africa holds vast floating solar potential, offering dual energy and water solutions.

Facing persistent drought, Morocco is piloting floating solar technology as an innovative approach to simultaneously boost electricity generation and conserve vital water resources. The nation's first floating solar plant, located at the Oued Rmel dam in northern Morocco, has commenced testing, marking a significant step in its renewable energy strategy.

The Oued Rmel project, with a projected capacity of 13 MW, will utilize approximately 22,000 solar panels mounted on 400 platforms, covering about ten hectares of the 123-hectare reservoir. Testing began in late August 2025. This initiative aims to supply green electricity to the Tanger Med port complex while crucially mitigating water evaporation, a critical concern amidst the country's historic drought. The Oued Rmel dam experiences daily water losses ranging from 3,000 cubic meters during normal periods to nearly 7,000 cubic meters in summer. The solar cover is expected to reduce this evaporation by approximately 30%.

This dual functionality underscores the inherent advantages of floating solar technology. It avoids the use of agricultural land, benefits from enhanced efficiency due to the natural cooling effect of water on the modules, and repurposes often underutilized water bodies. Morocco's adoption of this technology aligns with a growing trend across Africa.

In regions like the Seychelles, where land is scarce, and at large dams such as Kariba, spanning Zimbabwe and Zambia, floating solar emerges as a highly suitable solution for local constraints. These projects serve the dual purpose of generating electricity, complementing existing hydropower, and preserving water reserves.

Furthermore, the Oued Rmel project highlights the increasing nexus between water and renewable energy. Solar and wind power are already being leveraged to supply desalination units, while floating panels contribute to safeguarding water reserves. Energy innovations are thus becoming essential management tools in a climate where water stress is intensifying.

Globally, Africa presents substantial potential for floating solar. The 'Solarize Africa Market Report 2023' by the German Solar Industry Association estimates that the continent possesses over 100,000 square kilometers of suitable artificial reservoirs. Exploiting just 1% of this surface could yield 100 GW of floating solar capacity. In several countries, including Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Ethiopia, this potential even surpasses national electricity demand.

The key question remains whether these pioneering initiatives will pave the way for broader adoption, transforming water bodies into strategic assets for the energy transition.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum