Moroccan King Mohamed IV launched on Thursday Noor-1, the first phase of what will be the world's largest solar power production facility.

Built in the Sahara desert near the southern city of Ouarzazate, Noor-1 requires a budget of 652 million US dollars and is expected to have an electricity production capacity of 160 megawatts.

It is supposed to allow Morocco to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 240,000 tons per year.

This project is the first phase of a mega project expected to generate 580 megawatts by 2020, and provide electricity to over a million homes.

Once all phases are completed, Noor will be the largest solar power production facility in the world, covering an area of 30 sq km.

The launch of this plant represents a critical step in the Moroccan Solar Energy Program, which aims to generate 42 percent of its electricity needs through renewable energy by 2020 and 52 percent by 2030.