Morocco's Green Energy Project Displaces Nomads

Morocco's expansive solar power plant aims to transform arid land into a green energy source, but this progress comes at a significant cost to the indigenous Berber tribe. The film "The Price of the Sun" by Jérôme le Maire delves into the complexities and hidden expenses of renewable energy development.

This documentary highlights the resilience and adaptation of a community forced to redefine itself under the shadow of the renewable energy revolution. Cinematography by Olivier Boonjing and le Maire, with editing by Matyas Veress, captures the quiet conflict between nomadic traditions and the global push for solar and wind energy.

Director le Maire spent approximately eight years on production, from initial scouting in 2017 through the final shoot in September 2025, building trust with the Ait Merghrad community and plant management. His cinéma vérité approach immerses viewers in the nomads' world, prompting reflection on consumption and responsibility.

The film questions the notion of "clean" energy, suggesting it fuels overconsumption without conscience. It advocates for energy-saving measures, emphasizing that reducing consumption is the only universally positive action for the planet. The director also shares insights into his challenging filming experiences, including a dangerous descent into lead mines.