Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant experiences new technical shutdown

The Noor Ouarzazate III solar power plant has experienced another technical shutdown after a routine inspection on June 22 revealed a molten salt leak. This incident occurred despite the plant operating in a "conservative" mode since its restart on April 5, 2025, following repairs to the initial tank. Although a new tank had been completed and auxiliary infrastructure was being finalized, a decrease in molten salt volume and localized temperature increases under the tank's base and foundations were observed. Data analysis from the preceding two months had not indicated any anomalies in monitored parameters such as temperatures, pressures, flows, and vibrations. At the time of the incident, the plant was operating with a limited salt level of 2.3 meters and a temperature below 520 degrees Celsius. Safety measures were implemented to protect personnel and equipment. The duration of this shutdown is currently undetermined but could extend until the end of October to allow for necessary technical inspections and repairs. This follows a major shutdown in February 2024, which idled the 150-megawatt plant for fourteen months before its resumption in April 2025.