En 2024, Morocco continued its dynamic of energy transformation by asserting itself as a regional leader in the development of renewable energies. In a global context marked by climate issues and fluctuations in energy markets, the Kingdom is intensifying its efforts to meet its environmental commitments and guarantee its energy independence.
The commissioning of new projects, the optimization of the electricity network and the modernization of infrastructure demonstrate this ambition. Through strategic planning and significant investments, the country is establishing itself as a model in terms of energy transition, while strengthening its economic competitiveness. According to Professor Amin Bennouna, specialist in energy issues, “the share of renewable energies in electricity production reached 27% in 2024, or around 11,600 GWh. This steady progression, which began in mid-2022, reflects Morocco’s sustained efforts to integrate more clean sources into its energy mix.
And to add that “the share of renewable electricity has increased to 27% of national production, with a major contribution from wind (82%) and solar (15%)”. This increase made it possible to compensate for both the drop in hydroelectric production estimated at 3%, linked to persistent drought, and the gradual shutdown of certain coal-fired power stations, notably in Jerada. This shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources constitutes a decisive step towards Morocco’s objective of energy sovereignty.
STEPs, a lever for stabilizing the energy mix
To compensate for the intermittency of renewable energies, Morocco is relying on Pumped Energy Transfer Stations (STEP). These strategic infrastructures make it possible to store excess electricity generated during periods of low demand and to reinject them into the network during peak periods. “STEPs do not produce renewable electricity, but they play a crucial role in the management of surpluses and the stability of the network,” explains Bennouna.
The Abdelmoumen STEP project (350 MW), launched in 2024, brings the total storage capacity to 814 MW, pending the addition of an additional 300 to 400 MW thanks to the future El Menzel STEP, including three groups have recently been prequalified by ONEE for its construction. In addition, the electricity network is being modernized thanks to massive investments recorded in 2024 and which will continue until 2030.
-The Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali, recently announced an investment plan of 30 billion dirhams to modernize the national electricity transport network between 2024 and 2030. This plan marks an important turning point, because for the first time, the private sector is invited to contribute to this financing. “In a country as large as Morocco, it is essential to optimize energy flows between the north and the south, particularly with the emergence of two major port hubs at both ends of the country with a highly energy-intensive region between the two. This is to say that if it is better to preserve public finances from other financing (notably that of the social state), recourse to the private sector would be beneficial,” analyzes Professor Bennouna.
A marked drop in emissions
At the same time, the Kingdom has considerably reduced its specific intensity of GHG emissions linked to electricity production, reaching 620 g CO2/kWh in 2024. This reduction, directly attributable to the reduction in the share of fossil fuels in the energy mix, is of strategic importance. It allows Moroccan companies exporting to the European Union to avoid the carbon import tax. It improves the ecological footprint of electric vehicles in Morocco, which are less polluting than diesel vehicles.
Although Morocco contributes little to global GHG emissions, these advances strengthen its international credibility and economic competitiveness. With these advances, the Kingdom demonstrates that a successful energy transition is not only possible, but also economically and ecologically beneficial.
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