[1] Morocco is the biggest importer of energy in North Africa.
With growing energy consumption, Morocco is trying alternative
solutions to meet its demands while keeping the environment clean.
Moreover, the country aims at becoming a major producer of renewable
energy.
[2] Morocco has wind energy production of over 800 megawatts
already in operation and has recently inaugurated Africa’s largest wind
farm. As for hydroelectric power (energy generated from water),
Morocco has programmed a new station of energy transfer by pumping
water in the region of Agadir. This station will be operational in 2020.
[3] Yet, the perfect answer to the country’s heavy energy Renewable
demands is the solar power plants. As world leaders were discussing the energy
effects of climate change in Paris Conference, Morocco had already started a very ambitious clean energy
project, named "Noor" in the area of Ouarzazate, taking advantage of the Sahara sunshine. It is the largest solar
power production facility in the world.
[4] With a capacity of 580 megawatts, Noor power station is
A solar power plant in Ouarzazate
expected to occupy a space as big as the city of Rabat and provide
electricity to 1 million homes. It is the fruit of the country’s efforts in
recent years to reduce dependence on imported energy. The first phase
of the project, Noor 1, is already operating. This first station alone can
produce a power equivalent to 160 megawatts and provide energy to
650,000 locals from sunrise until three hours after sunset. Noor 2 and
Noor 3 will follow soon. Environmentally, once the three plants are
operational, gas emissions should decrease significantly.
[5] Renewable energy in Morocco is also contributing to the development of job creation and the
improvement of social services. Noor 1 alone has created around 1,000 jobs in the region of Ouarzazate.
Moreover, the millions of dollars spent on importing oil will now be used to finance social services such as
building more schools and hospitals.
[6] In order to sustain our development and keep a better future for the coming generations, we need to
make our energy sector cleaner. Morocco is a shining example to follow with regards to solar and wind energy
in Africa. The 2016 conference on climate change, which is to be hosted in Marrakech, will further highlight
Morocco’s efforts to become a leader in the use of renewable energies.
Adapted from www.middleasteye.net
A. ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY. (2 pts)
1. Morocco has a new project to produce energy from water.
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2. Noor 1 can provide local people with energy all day and night.
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B. ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. (2 pts)
1. Name two types of renewable energy mentioned in the text.
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2. What was the aim of Paris Conference?
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C. COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES. (2 pts)
1. Ouarzazate is an ideal place for Noor project because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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2. Morocco will use the money spent on importing oil to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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D. WHAT DO THE UNDERLINED WORDS IN THE TEXT REFER TO? (2 pts)
1. the country (par 3): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2. This first station (par 4): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E. FIND IN THE TEXT WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS THAT MEAN ALMOST THE SAME AS (2 pts)
1. increasing (par 1): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. result (par 4): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER. (2 pts)
The writer is
1. neutral about Noor project.
2. enthusiastic about Noor project.
3. worried about the future of Noor project.
The writer is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
