Morocco

For its solar potential, Morocco is characterised by intense solar radiation with an average of 5.3 kWh/m2 under annual sunshine durations varying from 2700 h in the North to about 3500 h in the South, and total installed capacity from solar energy currently stands at 831 MW..

Morocco spans an area of 710,850 km (Western Sahara included) square with a population of roughly 37 million citizens.

After a slow expansion in 2022, the economy grew again in 2023, supported in particular by the recovery of agriculture and services. Although GDP per capita remains rela4vely modest compared to EU standards, Morocco shows increasing capacity to invest in infrastructure and energy development.

Morocco is composed predominantly of "hot summer Mediterranean climate" (Csa) and "hot desert climate" (BWh) zones.

The country is naturally well suited to expand renewable energy, making Morocco one of the most promising countries in North Africa for renewable deployment.

With 3500 km of coastline and average wind speeds of up to 11 m/s, the total wind potential in Morocco is estimated at around 25 GW. At present, Morocco has an installed capacity from wind energy of 1553 MW, the second largest volume in Africa behind South Africa.

Existing hydro resources reached 1,770 MW of total capacity installed by December 2022. ONEE has started the construction of a Pumped Energy Transfer Station (PETS) of 350 MW at the Abdelmoumen site in the Agadir region. ONEE also operates the Afourar PETS of 464 MW, which has been used as a power system balancing asset since 2004

Morocco produces marginal amounts of oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products, and it
is a net hydrocarbon importer.

Morocco also has its existing hydro resources reached 1,770 MW of total capacity installed by
December 2022.

A large part of Morocco is mountainous - the Atlas Mountains are located mainly in the centre and the south of the country and the Rif Mountains are located in the north of the country.

In 2008, about 56% of Morocco's electricity supply was provided by coal; currently, the country
imports approximately 90% of its energy needs [fossil fuels] with less dependence on coal [2022 electricity production - 37.25% coal, 16.70% hydroelectricity, 7.03% fuel oil, 17.72% natural gas,
13.48%, 7.82% solar].

In 2018, Morocco increased its renewables capacity by more than tripling solar capacity to 711 MW and raising wind capacity by 36% to 1.22 GW. Since 2007, installed wind turbine capacity
has increased 25%.

On 17 April 2022, Rabat- Moroccan agency for solar energy (Masen) and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development announced the launch of phase one of the mega
project Nor II solar energy plant which is a multi-site solar energy project with a total capacity set at 400MW.

Morocco, with its vibrant cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, has become a beacon of success in Africa, particularly in the realms of renewable energy and water management. The nation has made remarkable progress in electrification and harnessing renewable energy sources, setting an inspiring example for sustainable development.

Electrification Triumphs

The Moroccan electric grid is not just well-developed; it stands as a testament to the country's commitment to universal access. Boasting a remarkable electrification rate of 91.6%, Morocco has successfully implemented solar-driven electrification programs, especially in remote rural areas where traditional grid extensions were impractical.

In a span of fifteen years, rural electrification rates catapulted from a mere 18% in 1990 to an impressive nearly 100% today. The success story involves electrifying 200,000 households in remote areas through solar home systems. As of 2018, over 40,500 villages, accounting for approximately 2,078,679 households, were electrified – a monumental achievement attributed to both grid connections and innovative solar kits.

This robust infrastructure has facilitated the integration of renewable energy sources, with Morocco currently boasting a total installed capacity of 4031 MW from renewables. The National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE) has set ambitious targets for 2030, aiming for an installed electrical capacity of 10 GW, with significant contributions from solar, wind, and hydropower.

A Paradigm for Water Conservation

While excelling in energy, Morocco faces challenges in water management, grappling with freshwater scarcity. The country's per capita water availability has declined drastically from 2,560m³ in the 1960s to the current 606m³, projected to decrease further to 500m³ by 2030. This alarming trend necessitates urgent and strategic water conservation measures.

Morocco's water resources include 149 large dams, 137 small/medium dams, and 120 major natural lakes, yet increasing demand poses a considerable threat. Groundwater, comprising about 20% of water resources, is overexploited, leading to a deficit of 1000 million m³ annually. Groundwater quality degradation compounds the issue, with saline intrusion and nitrate pollution posing significant challenges.

Efforts to address water scarcity include a comprehensive strategy targeting a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. Specific consumption reduction goals in transportation, industry, construction, and public lighting underscore Morocco's commitment to holistic resource management.

Balancing Act: Agriculture and Water Efficiency

Morocco's semi-arid to arid climate, coupled with frequent droughts, places immense pressure on water resources, especially in agriculture. With only 17% of cultivated areas under water management, strategies to enhance irrigation efficiency become paramount.

Traditional flood-irrigation methods, like the "Robta," have been criticized for water wastage, with only half of the water entering fields being used by crops. Though measures to increase efficiency have been introduced, adoption rates among farmers remain low due to cost constraints.

The introduction of spate irrigation covering 165,000 ha and the adoption of drip irrigation on approximately 163,000 ha demonstrate Morocco's commitment to sustainable water usage in agriculture. Research emphasizes the importance of choosing crop varieties with rapid vegetative development, high harvest index, and drought resistance, aligning with the country's efforts to balance agricultural needs with water conservation.

Conclusion

Morocco's journey towards sustainable development is marked by notable achievements in renewable energy and a steadfast commitment to address water scarcity. While challenges persist, the nation's integrated approach to cross-sector solutions provides hope for a future where energy and water resources are managed responsibly. As Morocco continues to strive for balance and efficiency, its experiences serve as a valuable lesson for nations navigating the complex landscape of sustainable development.

Electricity

Electricity access: 91.6% 

■ Annual primary energy consumption:7.11 MWh per capita
■ Electricity generation per capita 1.1 MWh
■ Electricity from fossil fuels: 75.15%
■ Installed RES: Wind (892 MW), PV (177 MW), Concentrated solar power (530 MW)
■ Morocco’s electricity production [2022]: 37.25% coal, 16.70% hydroelectricity, 7.03%
fuel oil, 17.72% natural gas, 13.48%, 7.82% solar
■ Renewable energy share of electricity: 38%
■ Renewable energy capacity: 3,727 MW

Read more

Grid characteristics:

Electric power transmission and distribution losses: 16%

■ Peak load: 7.15 GW

Other sectors

Transport demand: 70.3 TWh

■ Carbon emission per energy: 0.26 kg/kWh
■ Industry consumption: 50 TWh

 

 

Energy transition challenges

■  Reducing the dependency on import and fossil fuel
■  Promoting the local economy and new jobs
■  Create support frameworks for policy creation, education and R&D
■  Promote community engagement
■  Scarcity of water due to an already arid landscape

Current Policies & Reg Framework 

Regulatory framework 

Morocco’s energy and climate policies are implemented through a set of national institutions and strategic frameworks that jointly steer the transition towards a low-carbon and resilient energy system. 

  • Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development: Main institution responsible for designing and coordinating energy and climate strategies, including large-scale renewable programmes.  
  • National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE): Vertically integrated utility in charge of electricity generation, transmission, distribution planning and rural electrification.  
  • Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN): Develops and tenders utility-scale solar and wind projects in partnership with public and private actors.  
  • Inter-ministerial coordination: Energy, climate, air-quality and sustainable development policies are aligned through cross-cutting strategies and national plans to ensure coherent implementation across sectors. 

Key energy & climate policies 

Morocco has adopted a comprehensive set of national strategies that define its long-term energy, climate and air-quality objectives. These include:  

  • National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD): Shifts the economy towards a green and inclusive development model by 2030 through the integration of environmental priorities into sectoral policies. 
  • Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): Commits to a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, combining unconditional and conditional mitigation measures. 
  • Plan Climat National 2020–2030 (PCN): Provides the overarching framework for climate mitigation and adaptation, mainstreaming climate objectives in national and sectoral planning. 
  • Programme National de l’Air (PNAir): Focuses on reducing emissions from transport, industry and other key sources to improve air quality and protect public health. 
  • National Energy Strategy (2009): Targets 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2030 while improving energy efficiency, increasing energy security and diversifying the energy mix. 
  • Participation in international initiatives: Morocco also engages in global partnerships such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), supporting regional cooperation, technology deployment and access to finance. 

 

Policy Recommendations

Based on EMERGE modelling outputs and qualitative assessments, four strategic targets are proposed to guide Morocco’s energy transition. Detailed recommendation briefs are available for download. 

  • Target 1 – Decarbonisation of the power mix 
    • Scaling up solar and wind deployment, repowering existing assets and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. 
  • Target 2 – Grid flexibility & storage 
    • Reinforcing the electricity grid, expanding storage solutions and enhancing interconnections to integrate higher shares of variable renewables while maintaining system reliability. 
  • Target 3 – Energy efficiency & demand management 
    • Strengthening energy efficiency standards and demand-side measures to reduce energy intensity and peak demand in buildings, industry and households. 
  • Target 4 – Inclusive & water-smart planning 
    • Ensuring that energy system expansion aligns with water constraints, land-use sustainability and local socio-economic development priorities.