The event is being held at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca, which is located at the heart of the legendary city, today Morocco's main commercial and financial hub.
With a rapidly growing population, the nation is aggressively seeking alternative resources to meet is accelerating energy needs.
On top of getting pace with growth, the kingdom has also set a goal of meeting 42 percent of its energy needs with renewables by 2020.
When it comes to solar energy, Morocco, a country recognised as being reliable and reform-oriented, is a step ahead of its neighbours: its state-run EnergiPro Initiative is intended to encourage industrial companies to invest in renewable energy projects with capacities of up to 50 megawatts and the “Chourouk” programme aims to supply 200,000 private homes with cheap photovoltaic power by 2013.
In addition, MASEN, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy, was founded just over a year ago.
A further advantage lies in the fact that Morocco is the only non-European country to be connected to the European power grid. Experts therefore believe that the country holds enormous potential as a future net energy exporter – particularly in view of its considerable solar resources.
As a result, conference organizer Solarpraxis AG believes this is the perfect time for companies and investors to tap new business potential in the solar energy sector and to gain a competitive edge over international rivals.
In addition to providing a detailed overview of the political framework and existing programmes that are in place, the PV Technology Conference – North Africa 2012 will offer insights into the technological solutions available for exploiting solar energy in arid climates.
Concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) – a particularly financially attractive option in Morocco – will be showcased alongside crystalline and thin-film photovoltaics, and the spotlight will also focus on energy storage and off-grid photovoltaics.
Another important topic at the conference, its organizers said, will be the proportion of local content in the value added chain.
This will address questions surrounding where companies can find skilled workers and high-quality components, as well as the elements that are needed to establish a production line.
Marco Baraldo from TÜV Intercert, Giuseppe Sofia from Conergy and José Luis Villoslada Ecay from Isofoton are among the speakers.
Between 100 and 150 participants from around the world are expected to attend the conference. These include government representatives, project developers and project planners, energy utilities, grid operators, analysts, manufacturers, system integrators, wholesalers, architects, developers, press representatives, representatives of research and development institutes, trade associations, private investors and bank representatives.
The conference language is French with translation into English.
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