An aerial view of the installation
Today, Empower New Energy, in partnership with Zalar Holding and Jet Energy, proudly announces the inauguration of an 828 kWp solar photovoltaic rooftop plant at Zalar's Agro-Industrial facility in Mediouna, Casablanca. This unveiling marks Empower's inaugural entry into the Moroccan market, and garnered the presence of His Excellency, Mr. Sjur Larsen, the Norwegian Ambassador to Morocco.
The 828 kWp plant is the first in a series of four rooftop solar installations for the esteemed Zalar Holding group, boasting a combined capacity of 2.5 MWp, representing an investment of approximately $2 million. The remaining three installations, each nearing 90% completion, are situated in Fes (El Alf), Nouasseur (Banchereau), and Had Soualem (Dindy). Collectively, these four plants will generate a commendable 3.76 GWh of clean and sustainable electrical energy annually, effectively powering all of Zalar's four subsidiaries.
Zalar Holding, a renowned leader in Morocco's poultry sector, stands to benefit significantly from this abundant source of clean electricity. The project is anticipated to reduce an estimated 2,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 36,808 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. Beyond its environmental impact, the project is expected to foster and safeguard more than 100 employment opportunities, spanning both direct and indirect positions.
An aerial view of the installation
The project’s combined capacity of 2.5 MW, secured under a 16-year contract with Zalar’s subsidiaries, serves as a testament to the industrial sector's potential in Morocco to spearhead the country's efforts to decarbonise its economy and simultaneously enhance its competitiveness. Morocco's commitment under the Paris Agreement, striving to reduce GHG emissions by 45.5% by 2030 compared to a reference scenario, aligns seamlessly with the goals of this venture. With a vision to replicate this impactful investment with numerous other industrial partners, Empower New Energy and Jet Energy aspire to make a substantial contribution towards achieving Morocco's 2030 targets.
A section of the project partners - Empower New Energy, Zalar Holding & Jet Energy
The inauguration ceremony was graced not only by the esteemed project partners but also by distinguished guests from Norway's Embassy in Morocco, EBRD, and other notable attendees
“We are proud to partner with Zalar Holding and Jet Energy and celebrate the opening of our first state-of-the-art solar power investment in Morocco,” said Terje Osmundsen, CEO of Empower New Energy.
"We are thrilled to inaugurate this solar PV rooftop installation, a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability. This project not only enhances our operational efficiency but also underscores our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint” said Jaoad Sqalli, Zalar Holding.
"We are proud to have played a key role in the successful completion of this solar PV rooftop installation for Zalar Holding. This project reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality solar solutions and harnessing Morocco's abundant solar resources. Working with Empower New Energy and Zalar Holding has been a remarkable collaboration, and we are excited to see this project contribute to a more sustainable future" said Ismail Tadlaoui, Jet Energy.
“These solar plants prove that there are great possibilities for cooperation between Norwegian and Moroccan business partners, and I look forward to many more such projects” said Sjur Larsen, Ambassador of Norway.
About Empower New Energy:
Empower New Energy is a renewable energy financier and co-developer that finances, builds and owns solar power plants for commercial and industrial energy users across Africa.
About Zalar:
Zalar Holding is Morocco’s leading poultry Group. Since its founding in 1974, Zalar has grown organically as well as through select strategic mergers and acquisitions to become the only operator that is vertically integrated across the entire poultry-meat value chain. The Group enjoys leading market shares across five business segments: grain trading, animal feed, hatchery, broiler, as well as slaughtering & meat processing.
About Jet Energy:
Jet Energy is an EPC Contractor specialising in the construction, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants. Jet Energy is today the Moroccan leader in the PV Sector and has installed several megawatts at the national level in Morocco.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Email: arwa@empowernewenergy.com
Email: jaouad.sqalli@zalar.ma
Email: i.jadiri@jetenergy.ma
