Sustainable Energy Regional Platform: Leila Benali Highlights Morocco’s Energy Transition Vision from Vienna
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, showcased Morocco’s vision to establish the kingdom as a hub for energy connectivity between Africa and Europe and as a regional center for sustainable energy from the Austrian capital, Vienna, in alignment with royal directives.
In a speech during her participation in the ninth international conference of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) held on Wednesday, July 8, 2025, under the theme “Charting Pathways Together: The Global Energy Future,” Benali emphasized that Morocco is progressing steadily and pragmatically in accelerating its energy investments as part of its commitment to a fair and sustainable energy transition.
The minister stressed that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is adopting an ambitious and confident path in energy transition, aiming to triple investments in renewable energy and quintuple investments in electricity networks and traditional energy to meet its developmental and climate goals.
Benali affirmed that the “ordinary” situation for Morocco involves continuing to implement structural reforms, including modernizing public institutions, improving the tax system to encourage investment, and strengthening decentralization, enabling regions to play a key role in executing energy projects.
The minister highlighted Morocco’s experience spanning over 15 years in developing renewable energy and 30 years in partnership with the private sector, considering it a model experience in project governance and financing innovation.
Benali announced that the kingdom plans to add 16 gigawatts of new electrical capacity and invest $10 billion in energy efficiency projects, which will help create tens of thousands of jobs while integrating artificial intelligence technologies in the execution of these projects.
She also emphasized the importance of regional interconnection in accelerating the energy transition, noting that major connection projects with Europe and West Africa require investments exceeding $25 billion, necessitating joint financing from both public and private sectors and risk-sharing among partners.
