Morocco’s Sebou River Basin Agency is assessing the potential for floating solar power plants across 12 dams, exploring whether the country can generate more renewable electricity while reducing water losses from reservoir evaporation. The agency has commissioned a feasibility study valued at MAD 3 million to identify suitable sites and assess their technical, economic and environmental viability. The initiative follows Morocco’s separate floating-solar development at the Oued Rmel reservoir, which is intended to supply electricity to the Tanger Med port complex. No new sites have yet been confirmed for construction under the Sebou initiative.
The proposed assessment covers 12 dams distributed across the provinces of Kenitra, Khémisset, Ouezzane, Moulay Yacoub, Sefrou, Taza and Taounate. The reservoirs include El Kansera, Ouljet Essoltane, Al Wahda, Sidi Chahed, Allal El Fassi, M’daz, Bab Louta, Idriss I, Bouhouda, Sahla and Asfalou, alongside other infrastructure within the Sebou basin. The agency will compare the sites based on available water surface, hydraulic conditions, potential electricity generation and proximity to suitable grid connections. The results are expected to identify which reservoirs could proceed to more detailed project development.
Floating solar uses photovoltaic panels mounted on platforms installed on the surface of a reservoir, allowing electricity generation without occupying additional agricultural or urban land. Covering part of a reservoir can also shade the water and reduce its exposure to sunlight and wind, potentially lowering evaporation. Reports on the Sebou initiative cite possible evaporation reductions of between 30% and 70%, although the actual savings would depend on the area covered, local climate and reservoir characteristics. The technology therefore offers Morocco a potential way to address electricity generation and water conservation together, but the expected benefits need to be evaluated at each site.
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The feasibility study will also examine environmental impacts, water quality, operating and maintenance requirements, regulatory conditions and the cost of connecting potential plants to the electricity grid. These factors matter because dams must continue serving their primary purposes, including water storage and management, while supporting any additional energy infrastructure. The agency is also expected to consider financing and implementation models such as public-private partnerships, concessions and independent power producers. The choice of model will depend on the technical and economic findings, including the expected electricity output and the investment required at each location.
The Sebou initiative adds to Morocco’s efforts to expand renewable energy while managing pressure on its water resources. Its significance will depend on whether the assessment identifies sites where floating solar can be installed economically without compromising reservoir operations or aquatic environments. Once the study is completed, the agency can prioritise the most suitable dams, prepare preliminary designs and establish possible financing arrangements and development timelines. For now, the project remains at the feasibility stage; its next milestone is determining which of the 12 reservoirs can support viable floating-solar installations and how those projects could be delivered.
