The Rise of Renewable Energy in Morocco

Morocco, the north-western African country bathed in the glow of the North African sun, seated chiefly on a spot overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is undergoing a remarkable transformation—one that would bring about a paradigm shift in the African continent. The Arab-speaking country has set its face forward in an ambitious journey towards becoming a leader in renewable energy. The geography of the nation and the doggedness of the country towards achieving this coveted position are all in sync to ensure that this comes into fruition.

From Fossil Dependence to Clean Dreams

For decades, Morocco has relied heavily on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. As the demand for energy increases, so does its toll and strain on the available resources and the environment. The country, however, has refused to remain in that old-fashioned system, which is becoming obsolete as the years go by. Instead, it is looking forward to better alternatives, ones that would play key roles in the development of the energy sector, shaping the future. In light of this, the country is making a bold shift towards cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.

Morocco has recently experienced a surge in renewable energy use, with the trend gaining momentum and clearly showing that it is here to stay. This is driven by government support and the falling cost of renewable technologies. With a 38% share of renewable energies in installed capacity, the country has aspirations for its renewable energy, and it is aiming to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 (Ministry of Energy and Mines, 2022). This transformation from fossil dependence to clean dreams is very much underway, with a surge in renewable energy projects across the country. Wind turbines now dot the deserts and the hillsides of Morocco, harnessing the power of the wind to produce electricity. Solar panels are springing up in the sun-drenched south, generating clean energy from the most abundant resources on earth—which, before then, always went to waste. With each new wind turbine mounted or solar panel installed, Morocco is making progress towards a brighter, greener future.

Morocco’s renewable energy transition is having a positive impact on the environment and public health. Since the decades that the country has relied heavily on fossil fuels, it has been a major source of air pollution, causing respiratory illnesses and other health problems. By replacing coal and oil with cleaner and renewable sources of energy, Morocco is improving air quality and public health. For example, the Noor Solar Complex in Ouarzazate, Morocco, is estimated to reduce 762,000 tons per year of CO2 emissions, or 19 million tons over 25 years, through its first, second, and third phases (AFDB, 2015). Renewable energy is also helping to preserve water resources, as solar and wind power do not require large amounts of water for cooling, unlike coal and nuclear power plants. The country unveiled a national strategy for green hydrogen in 2021. This strategy includes a timeline spanning 2020–2050, and it aims to install 14.6 GW of extra renewable energy capacity through 2030 and 131.5 GW through 2050, outside of the electricity sector (ITA, 2024). Morocco is taking steps to become more energy independent, building a more diversified and resilient economy for the future as it moves away from a dependence on fossil fuels. This clean energy transition embarked upon by the country isn’t just about reducing emissions; it is also about building a better future and ensuring a liveable planet for generations to come. With the actions being taken now, Morocco is helping to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, including sea level rise, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapse, of which the use of fossil fuels has been a major contributor. Morocco is leading the way by investing in renewable energy, towards a more sustainable future.

One of the most promising aspects of Morocco’s renewable energy transition is its potential to stimulate economic development. The renewable energy transition in Morocco has caused a positive ripple effect, with renewable energy projects enhancing existing jobs and creating new ones in engineering, construction, and operations. They are also attracting foreign investments and boosting the export of clean energy products and services. These sustainable ventures have led to increased capital inflow, further fortifying the country’s economic landscape. The inflow of external funds is contributing immensely to the stability and growth of the renewable energy sector. In addition to these, the growth of renewable energy is leading to the development of new industries, such as solar panels and wind turbine manufacturing. The export of clean energy products and services is clear evidence of the country’s willingness to fulfill its ambitions in renewable energy endeavors. It is not only meeting its domestic energy needs sustainably; it is also positioning itself as a significant player in the global clean energy market. With such great potential and economic resilience, Morocco is positioned as a hub for the production and innovation of clean energy technologies in Africa. The strategic investments and commitments in the renewable energy sector made by this nation would bring about an intertwining of environmental stewardship with economic prosperity. This would further drive sustainable developments, bringing about positive socio-economic change.

Morocco’s renewable energy boom is not only benefiting the country’s economy and environment; it is also having a positive impact on its citizens. In rural areas, access to clean and reliable electricity is opening up new opportunities for economic and social development. Schools and hospitals can now perform efficiently, and businesses are functioning more productively. Access to clean energy is also improving living standards and enhancing quality of life. There has been a significant reduction in the use of expensive sources of energy, such as fossil fuels, which also cause harm and pollute the environment.

With all of these in place, the bustling souks and ancient kasbahs that have been captivating visitors would now be powered and rely continuously on clean renewable energy, which also carries with it the value of being sustainable and creates a better environment for the next generation to thrive in.

Challenges and opportunities

While Morocco makes giant strides in harnessing clean power sources, it faces a host of challenges and opportunities that shape the trajectory of its renewable energy journey. Some of these challenges are due to the nature of renewable energy sources, while others are due to a lack of advanced technology for efficiently harnessing energy from these sources. The opportunities lie in the abundance of these resources, Morocco’s geographical position, its ripple effect on job creation and technology exchange, and its leadership position, which puts Morocco on the world’s stage in harnessing renewable energy.

One of the primary challenges in renewable energy integration is the intermittency of sources such as solar and wind power. Solar and wind sources occur at regular intervals, can be influenced by weather conditions, and are not steady compared to conventional energy sources. To address this challenge, there is a need to enhance energy storage solutions like batteries, which capture and store energy during peak energy generation, releasing them for use when the sources aren’t actively generating energy. There is also a need to improve grid flexibility, which involves incorporating technologies and strategies that can quickly respond to fluctuations in energy production. This would ensure a smooth, stable, and reliable power supply to meet the varying demands of consumers.

Another challenge Morocco faces in its renewable energy journey is investment and funding. In spite of the progress made, the scale of renewable energy projects that can cover the energy needs of a wide range of houses, businesses, and industries requires substantial investment. There is a need for both domestic and foreign funding to support the expansion of clean energy infrastructure. However, the procurement of these investments poses a significant challenge.

In spite of the challenges faced, Morocco has an abundance of solar and wind energy resources. This is primarily due to its geography. This vast potential for clean energy generation has positioned the country to not only meet its domestic demands but also emerge as a significant exporter of renewable energy, providing services and products according to demand. Morocco’s expansion of renewable energy projects stimulates economic development by creating job opportunities across various sectors. This has contributed to the growth of industries such as solar panel and wind turbine manufacturing, leading to a diversified and robust economy.

The country has the potential to lead on the global stage as a renewable energy champion. By showcasing successful models of renewable energy integration, Morocco can influence international perceptions and encourage global cooperation in combating climate change. In addition, diversifying the energy mix with renewables enhances energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Morocco’s pursuit of renewable energy represents a balancing act between overcoming its challenges and seizing the opportunities available to it.

Harnessing the power of nature

Morocco not only has great potential for fulfilling its ambitious dream of becoming a leader in renewable energy, but it is also well suited to achieve that purpose. The diverse geography of this nation makes it an ideal location for harnessing the power of nature. The country has the advantage of strong winds coursing through its beautiful landscape, the rugged mountains of the Atlas range, as well as an abundance of sunshine beaming down torrents of solar energy on the vast deserts of the Sahara, out of which only a fraction is needed to be harnessed by the country. It’s geothermal potential notwithstanding. Morocco isn’t sleeping on any of these beauties; rather, it is taking advantage of these natural resources and putting them to efficient use. For example, the Noor Solar Complex in Morocco is an indication of the country’s commitment to harnessing the intense sunlight of the Sahara to generate substantial clean energy. It is also the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world (BBC, 2023). The country is also developing a network of wind farms, which are already generating electricity for homes and businesses across the country (Power Technology, 2023).

Morocco’s commitment to sustainable energy is transforming the way it meets its power needs while fostering social and economic development and environmental stewardship. The implementation of renewable energy projects has created jobs across various sectors, from engineering and construction to operations and maintenance (Vanclooster, 2020). The surge in employment has contributed to economic growth and has enhanced the standard of living for many Moroccans. What’s more, the nation’s dedication to harnessing the power of nature has attracted attention on the global stage, especially now that global warming and climate change have been exacerbated by the use of fossil fuels, causing catastrophic damage to the earth’s environment and ecosystems. Every well-meaning government of any nation is now looking at the prospects of renewable energy and how it can be harnessed in their own country, seeing that the conventional means of energy generation that are causing havoc to the earth system will soon be phased out.

In addition, the country’s renewable energy projects have become magnets for foreign investments, strengthening international collaborations and partnerships. Nations want to collaborate because the use of renewable energy sources can contribute to the decarbonization of the power system and ensure a sustainable energy supply throughout the world (Ellaban, 2014). The beautiful nation is now towing the path of leadership in renewable energy. International collaborations not only facilitate technological exchange but also give Morocco a day on the international scene as a leader in sustainable energy practices.

Furthermore, Morocco is leveraging its renewable energy expertise, carving a niche as an exporter of clean energy solutions, and participating actively in the global clean energy market( ITA, 2024). Its export of clean energy products not only strengthens the national economy but also contributes immensely to the global fight against climate change. The nation’s quest for renewable energy has caused a surge in the development of new industries in the country. For example, the manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines has become a rapidly growing sector, further diversifying the country’s economic landscape. Not only is Morocco’s self-sufficiency enhanced, but the country is also being positioned as a hub for innovation and the production of clean energy.

Morocco’s quest to harness the power of nature for renewable energy has been a journey of innovation, commitment, and positive transformations. The country has made great strides in solar and wind energy projects, in addition to the socio-economic benefits realized, showcasing the holistic impact of transitioning towards sustainable practices. The nation stands tall in Africa as a beacon, demonstrating that the inherent power of nature can be harnessed for a greener, more sustainable future.

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References

African Development Bank. (2015). Nooro Press Kit. African Development Bank. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic-Documents/NOORo_Press_Kit_Eng.pdf

BBC. (2023). The world’s biggest mirror power plant Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0fmxtpv/inside-the-world’s-biggest-mirror-solar-plant#:~:text=Located%20on%20the%20Sahara’s%20doorstep,for%20up%20to%208%20hours.

Ellabban, O., H. Abu-Rub, and F. Blaabjerg. (2014). Renewable Energy Resources: Current Status, Future Prospects, and Their Enabling Technology. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 39, pp. 748–764. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352152X20316431#bib0003

Fehri, R., Khlifi, S., & Vanclooster, M. (2020). Testing a Citizen Science Water Monitoring Approach in Tunisia. Environmental Science & Policy, 104, 67–72. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462901119309906?via%3Dihub

International Trade Administration. (2024). U.S. Department of Commerce. Morocco: Energy. Retrieved from https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/morocco-energy#:~:text=The% 20Government%20of%20Morocco%20seeks,38%20percent% 2C%20or%204% 2C154% 20MW.

Ministry of Energy and Mines. (2022). Renewable Energies. Moroccan Ministry of Energy and Mines. Retrieved from https://www.mem.gov.ma/en/pages/secteur.aspx?e=2

Power Technology. (2023). Power Plant Profile: Midelt Wind Farm, Morocco. Retrieved from https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-midelt-wind-farm-morocco/?cf-view

Joshua Imoikor

Geographer, environmental enthusiast, and a social scientist. He is concerned with human activities and their impact on the environment. A lover of history, natural sciences and the arts. A graduate of Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Abuja, Nigeria.