Morocco is gradually adopting an energy transition while maintaining its level of coal consumption.
The country, the second-largest coal consumer in Africa, continues its gradual path towards energy transition with a clear commitment to reducing carbon emissions, without immediately abandoning coal to meet domestic demand. This demand is expected to remain stable at around 10 million tons annually until the end of the current decade, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency on global coal demand for 2025.
The report, released on Wednesday, noted that the national strategy aims for a phased exit from coal in electricity production by 2040, while renewable energies are anticipated to provide over 50% of the additional electricity generated by 2030 compared to 2025.
On the African continent, the agency predicts moderate growth in coal consumption in 2025, driven by improved utilization of existing infrastructure and new production capacities coming online in South Africa. Morocco is highlighted for its stable level of demand, compared to a limited increase in Zimbabwe’s consumption starting from a weak base.
This stability reflects a cautious approach to managing the energy transition, ensuring the continuity of electricity supply while progressively expanding renewable energy capacities. The growing production of solar and wind energy contributes to maintaining coal consumption rather than reducing it abruptly.
Globally, the report estimates coal demand in 2025 at a record level of 8.85 billion metric tons, an increase of 0.5% compared to the previous year, with coal continuing to play a central role in electricity production, which accounts for about two-thirds of global output.
The agency notes that 2025 represents a turning point, with global coal demand expected to stabilize before entering a gradual decline toward 2030, driven by rapid growth in renewables, increased reliance on nuclear energy, and the rising availability of less polluting liquefied natural gas.
China and India remain the primary drivers of global demand, with the two countries consuming more than the rest of the world combined. However, India is expected to see an unprecedented reduction in its consumption in 2025 due to a strong monsoon season that boosted hydropower production, although it will later record the largest absolute increase in demand to support its economic growth.
The report highlights that coal remains the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy, despite a predicted decline in its share of the global electricity mix to about 34% by the end of 2025, marking a historic low amid growing challenges to accelerate its phase-out in line with global climate goals.
