Morocco's first solar energy plant will begin operating in 2015, an official said Sunday, as part of a multi-billion-euro project the oil-scarce kingdom hopes will satisfy its growing energy needs.

The North African country is aiming to become a world-class renewable energy producer and is eyeing the chance to export clean electricity to nearby Europe.

Morocco expects to build five new solar plants by the end of the decade with a combined production capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) and at an estimated cost of seven billion euros ($9 billion). The Nour 1 plant cost 600 million euros and is expected to have a capacity to generate 160 MW.

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