In short: For the UN Climate Change Conference (COP22) in Marrakesh in 2016, Innoventum delivered three renewable energy facilities to UNIDO: a Giraffe 2.0 wind and solar power plant and Innoventum’s very first solar carports. All three are mounted on ground screws instead of concrete, each supplying its own public building with electricity, and were inaugurated in front of delegations from around the world. Ten years later, they are still standing.
| Key Figures | Value |
|---|---|
| Public Buildings | 3 |
| Parking Spaces Powered by Renewable Energy | 10 |
| Concrete Foundation | 0 |
| Years since the opening | 10 |
From Climate Negotiations to Functional Infrastructure
In November 2016, the world gathered in Marrakech for COP22, the first climate conference after the Paris Agreement entered into force. UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, wanted delegates to see more than just promises. Through its Low Carbon Public Buildings Initiative, UNIDO transformed three of the city’s public buildings into working examples of clean, locally produced energy.
The Case in Brief
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer | UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), Low Carbon Public Buildings Initiative under the Greening COP22 program |
| Location | Marrakech, Morocco: Three Public Buildings |
| Events | COP22, the UN Climate Change Conference, November 2016 |
| Locations and Products | Regional Environmental Observatory: Giraffe 2.0, wind and solar power plants with chargers for electric cars Wilaya (regional administration): solar carport for 4 cars City Hall (Hôtel de Ville): solar carport for 4 cars |
| Materials | Wooden frames on ground anchors from Krinner, no concrete |
| Energy Solution | On-site use in each building, real-time online monitoring, and screens inside the buildings |
| Partner | BCLT Energie Maroc (on-site installation), Krinner (foundations), SolarEdge (inverters and optimizers), the Swedish Energy Agency |
| Opening Ceremony | November 17, 2016, during COP22 |
| Final Inspection | May 7, 2017: All three facilities were put into operation |
The Challenge
UNIDO needed renewable energy installations that were visible, symbolic, and truly useful for the buildings long after the conference. They were to be in place for an inauguration during COP22, right in the heart of the city and in locations with limited space. In addition, they were to be able to be maintained locally once the international delegations had returned home.
The Solution
Innoventum delivered three facilities built from renewable and recycled materials:
- Giraffe 2.0 at the Regional Environmental Observatory. Our 12-meter-tall hybrid power plant combines a wind turbine and solar panels mounted on a wooden frame, along with a charger for two electric cars. It produces up to 13,850 kWh per year on an area of 24.6 m².
- Solar-powered carports at Wilaya and City Hall. Two wooden carports, each with four parking spaces. These were Innoventum’s very first solar-powered carports.
All three are mounted on Krinner ground screws instead of concrete. This means they can be moved and leave almost no trace behind. Each facility supplies its own building with electricity, and the production figures are displayed in real time on screens inside the observatory and city hall.
Delivery in collaboration with local partners
The facilities were installed in collaboration with BCLT Energie Maroc and Moroccan subcontractors, who were also trained to operate them. The Giraffe was ready for its official inauguration on November 17, 2016. All three facilities were connected to the power grid in March 2017 and were formally approved by UNIDO on May 7, 2017.
Unveiled to the World
On November 17, 2016, a high-level delegation first visited Giraffen at the observatory and then City Hall. The delegation included UNIDO Director-General Li Yong, Dr. Pradeep Monga from UNIDO’s Energy Division, Sweden’s Ambassador to Morocco Erika Ferrer, Marrakech Mayor Mohamed Larbi Belcaid, Masako Ogawa from the Global Environment Facility, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Innoventum’s CEO, Dr. Sigvald Harryson. At the inauguration, UNIDO also launched a new platform for collaboration with the business community to make the city greener.
Still in operation, year after year
Photos from April 2022 show the Giraffe still at the observatory, where it generates energy and provides shade for cars five and a half years after its inauguration. COP22 was also the birthplace of Innoventum’s solar carport. Since then, it has grown to become our flagship product for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities throughout Europe.
That's why it matters today
The question is no longer what we promise, but what we build. As COP31 convenes in Antalya, Marrakech demonstrates that climate infrastructure can be installed quickly, built from renewable materials, managed by local teams, and still be functioning a decade later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Innoventum provide for COP22 in Marrakech?
A Giraffe 2.0 wind and solar power plant with electric vehicle charging stations at the Regional Environmental Observatory, and two wooden solar carports, each accommodating four cars, at Wilaya and City Hall.
Who was the customer?
UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, through the Low Carbon Public Buildings Initiative under the Greening COP22 program.
Why were ground screws used instead of concrete?
Ground screws are quick to install, require no concrete, and allow the structure to be moved without leaving any marks. This made them ideal for locations in the heart of the city center where space is limited.
Are the facilities still in operation?
Yes. Photos from April 2022 show that the Giraffe is still in place and in operation, more than five years after its inauguration.
Would you like to have renewable energy in your parking lot? Innoventum develops wooden solar carports as well as wind and solar power plants for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. Solar carports for businesses | Giraffe | More customer case studies | Request a quote
