Encouraging private investment in renewable energies was the subject of an oral question in the House of Councilors. The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development considers that since 2021, investment in renewable energies has accelerated, through the reinforcement and development of the national electricity grid. Meanwhile, Morocco has accumulated a total renewable energy capacity of around 4.6 gigawatts.
This includes 1,853 megawatts in wind power, with an investment of almost 30 billion Dirhams (USD 3 billion), and 852 megawatts in solar power, with an investment of around 30 billion Dirhams. In addition, 1,770 megawatts of hydroelectric power were built before the launch of the national energy strategy in 2009. 60 billion Dirhams (USD 6 billion) have been invested in renewable energy projects since the launch of this strategy, noted Leila Benali. Half of all wind energy projects, for example, have been developed by the private sector. According to her, the acceleration in the pace of investment in renewable energies and in the electricity grid is part of the National Electricity Equipment Plan. This involves additional capacity of up to 9,614 megawatts by 2027, of which 7,516 megawatts will come from renewable energy sources, for an investment of almost 75.16 billion Dirhams (USD 7.5 billion).
Investment in renewable energy projects under the 2023-2027 electricity plan will experience a quantum leap, with annual investment quadrupling compared with the 2009-2022 period.
To stimulate and encourage investment in renewable energies, particularly for small businesses, important regulatory texts have been published, notably for the development of decentralized production. New initiatives have been launched to boost investment in the renewable energies sector, particularly by the private sector. The Minister announced the start of implementation of a program to supply industrial zones with clean, renewable electricity. Authorizations have been granted for two projects to supply the industrial zones of Kenitra and Tangiers, with a capacity of around 150 megawatts. Other projects are also being considered to supply other industrial zones nationwide.
Mohamed CHAOUI
