Morocco’s Mohammed VI Museum becomes first in Africa to Install Solar Energy
By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Morocco’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) will be powered by solar energy, becoming the first museum in Africa to self-produce its electricity with a photovoltaic installation.
MMVI’s initiative to switch to green energy testifies to Morocco’s commitment to tackle climate change and related issues.
A joint statement from the National Foundation of Museums (FNM) and the Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) outlines the museum’s anticipation to become “the perfect model of harmonious alliance of art and environmental responsibility.”
FNM’s signed agreements with IRESEN and its international research platform Green Energy Park (GEP) in October 2020 to install solar panels and create a framework for cooperation between the two institutions.
GEP platform developed the energy transition model, which is based on a mixed approach including the integration of renewable energy sources, through the establishment of a solar photovoltaic power plant on the roof. The plant generates a power of 130 KWP and features a photovoltaic system integrated into the pavement.
The innovative model will supply MMVI with the power and is expected to reduce the energy bill of the building by 50%, in addition to incorporating a storage solution of 20 kWh for a better management of consumption during peak hours.
“It is also based on a complete automation of the supervision and management of environmental parameters (relative humidity, temperature and air quality),” noted the statement quoted by Morocco’s state news agency.
With this step being a first in Africa, the Moroccan museum positions itself as a pioneer in installing solar panels in its building.
Created in 2011, IRESEN’s mission is to support Morocco’s energy strategy. While the country’s current objective aims for 52% renewable energy in the total installed capacity by 2030, the Moroccan government recently announced its vision to raise the share of renewable energies to 70% by 2040 and 80% by 2050.
Source: Morocco World News
