In mid-October government officials inaugurated the village of Id Mjahdi, located near the western city of Essaouira. The first of its kind in Africa, the village, which is capable of housing some 50 people, is completely energy autonomous and is not connected to the national power grid. It is powered by 32 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which generate 8.32 KWh of electricity. In addition to powering street lights and domestic water heaters and ovens, the solar station can run a public hammam, water tower, argan workshop and educational centre. To ensure power can be used outside of daylight hours the network is fitted with a battery for electricity storage. Solar at heart of renewables plan The village’s inauguration comes amid ongoing efforts to increase renewable energy’s contribution to the national energy mix . Renewables currently make up around 34% of installed capacity. The government aims to increase this figure […]