Comparative analysis of energy sources and strategies of Morocco

Electricity production represents a major issue for countries around the world, particularly within the framework of the current energy transition. In response to the rise in prices of fossil fuels, increasing concerns relating to climate change and the overall objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the choice of energy sources is decisive for the development of national energy policies.

In this context, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has carried out in -depth studies aimed at comparing the costs of electricity production from various energy sources, in order to clarify the decisions of governments and investors . This article explores these costs in detail, particularly emphasizing the case of Morocco, which has chosen an ambitious approach focused on the diversification of its energy mix.

1. electricity production costs per energy source

Wind energy, which uses wind strength to produce electricity, is one of the renewable energy sources that has experienced the highest reduction in costs over the past decade. In 2023, electricity production costs from terrestrial wind power are between 30 and 60 dollars per MWh, and this range can descend even more in areas where wind conditions are particularly favorable. The offshore wind, although more expensive, remains competitive in certain regions, with costs between 60 and 100 dollars per MWh. The rise of offshore wind farms (at sea) and technological progress could further reduce these costs in the future

Global example:

Denmark: Denmark, a pioneer in the exploitation of wind turbines, benefits from the lowest production costs thanks to a robust support policy, massive R&D investments and large -scale farm of wind farms.

Germany: Germany has invested massively in wind as part of its “Energiewende” project. Although the costs of the earth’s wind has decreased considerably, the offshore wind remains more expensive due to high infrastructure investments.

Photovoltaic solar has seen a dizzying fall in its costs in the last decade. In 2023, electricity production from solar is between 20 and 50 dollars per MWh, depending on the local conditions of sunshine and the industrial capacity for the production of solar panels. This cost is much more competitive than that of fossil fuels, in particular in regions with strong sunshine.

Global example:

China: Due to its leading position in the production of solar panels, China manages to reduce production costs to the lowest levels in the world.

United Arab Emirates (Water): the solar park Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, in Dubai, produces electricity at an estimated cost of $ 20 per MWh, thanks to optimal sunshine and innovations in management and optimization Solar parks.

Nuclear energy is a stable and reliable source, capable of providing continuous electricity, regardless of weather conditions. However, construction and maintenance costs are high, and the challenges related to waste management increase these costs. On average, nuclear electricity production is estimated between $ 70 and $ 120 per MWh.

Global example:

France: With around 70 % of its electricity production from nuclear, France has a relatively low production cost, largely thanks to the accumulated expertise. However, the country faces growing costs to modernize its aging power plants.

United States: In the United States, the construction of new nuclear power plants is extremely expensive, especially due to strict safety requirements and long construction times, which limits the expansion of this source of energy.

Natural gas, although fossil, remains competitive because of its relatively low cost and its low CO2 emissions compared to coal and oil. The cost of producing electricity from natural gas generally varies between $ 40 and $ 80 per MWh, but remains exposed to the volatility of world market prices, especially due to geopolitical tensions and the evolution of the supply and demand.

Global example:

United States: Natural shale gas is a major electricity source in the United States, allowing relatively low production costs. However, gas prices fluctuations can affect long -term profitability.

Qatar: Qatar, with its large natural gas reserves, is capable of producing electricity at low cost. However, he now seeks to diversify his energy sources by investing in green hydrogen production projects.

2. The case of Morocco: an energy diversification strategy

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Morocco, rich in natural resources for the production of renewable energy, has implemented an ambitious energy strategy which is based on the diversification of its energy mix. The country exploits its solar and wind potential to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and minimize fluctuations in world prices. With among the highest sunshine in the world and coastal regions benefiting from constant winds, Morocco positions itself as a key player in the energy transition in Africa and the Middle East.

National examples:

Noor de Ouarzazate solar power plant: This thermodynamic solar power plant is one of the largest in the world, with a capacity of 580 MW. It makes it possible to produce electricity at a cost varying between 20 and 30 dollars per MWh, which places it among the most competitive projects worldwide.

Tarfaya wind farm: with a capacity of 301 MW, this park is one of the largest in Africa and is located in a region benefiting from a constant wind. The cost of production of electricity is very competitive, which strengthens Morocco’s position as a leader in Africa in wind energy.

Morocco has also launched energy interconnection projects with Europe and Africa, making it possible to export surplus electricity, in particular with a view to becoming a leader in the production of green hydrogen intended for export to the ‘Europe.

3. Conclusion and recommendations

In view of the elements presented in this article, it clearly appears that the production of electricity from renewable sources, in particular wind and solar, becomes more and more competitive compared to fossil fuels, whose costs often remain vulnerable on the volatility of world prices. On the other hand, although nuclear energy ensures stable production, its high costs, due to the heavy investments required for infrastructure and waste management, make it a more expensive long -term option.

Morocco is at a strategic turning point in its energy transition. Thanks to its abundant resources in renewable energies, in particular solar and wind, the country has enormous potential to guarantee lasting energy autonomy at competitive costs. However, to accelerate this transition, several challenges must be met:

Strengthen energy storage infrastructure: although solar and wind are very competitive, their intermittent remains a major challenge. Investment in large -scale storage solutions, such as batteries and thermal storage systems, is essential to ensure stability and resilience of the electrical network.

Diversification of the supply of renewable energies: if solar and wind constitute the pillars of the Moroccan energy strategy, it is crucial to explore other sources of renewable energy such as geothermal energy and green hydrogen, in order to to make the energy mix even more robust and flexible.

Accelerate regional interconnection projects: Morocco must continue to develop its interconnection projects with Europe and Africa, in order to better integrate its electrical network at the regional level. This would not only facilitate the export of green electricity, but would also make it possible to take advantage of the opportunities offered by green hydrogen as part of the global energy transition.

Optimization of governance and support policies: in order to stimulate private investment and strengthen the renewable energies sector, it is imperative that Morocco implement incentive policies and ambitious regulatory reforms. This would guarantee the transparency, competitiveness and predictability necessary to attract investors while supporting local and regional initiatives.

In short, although Morocco has already taken an excellent start in its energy transition, its energy future will be based on the acceleration of the diversification of its energy mix, technological innovation and reinforced regional cooperation. These measures will not only maintain the country’s economic competitiveness, but also to guarantee long -term energy security, while consolidating its role of leader in the decarbonation of Africa.