CSP plants optimization in Morocco: Best practices and real challenges

Against the background of an increasing energy demand and growing environmental problems in Morocco due to the strong foreign dependence (Import over 95% of the country's energy needs), renewable energy resources offer interesting opportunities for Morocco. This paper suggests the simulation and perform the analysis of CSP using a Parabolic Trough Collector PTC as a technology. Therefore, the code developed not only used for the optimization of CSP plants implemented in Morocco but also for performance prediction under variable weather conditions of Moroccan zones. On this way, a detailed model on the Ouarzazate CSP project is given taking into account actual data and all technical constraints. Then, a comparison between potentials sites is performed. The analysis shows the competitive viability of CSP plants in Morocco.