The government simplifies investment in renewable energy electricity
The government aims to facilitate investment in electricity production from renewable sources through a new draft decree to activate the provisions of Law No. 09-13 related to renewable energies, amended by Law No. 19-40, by simplifying and digitizing administrative procedures.
The proposed draft decree, which has been published for public comments, suggests establishing a comprehensive system for administrative licensing concerning the construction, expansion, and operation of renewable energy production facilities. This includes reinforcing transparency by mandating the publication of available capacity for the national electricity system to stakeholders in the sector.
Among the most notable innovations included in the text is the requirement for financial guarantees for projects, valued at 10,000 dirhams per megawatt, with a cap of ten million dirhams for each project, aimed at ensuring the seriousness of investors and adherence to project timelines.
The project also calls for the establishment of a specialized technical committee to review licensing requests, comprising representatives from the energy transition, interior, and electricity network management sectors. This committee will examine technical files and ensure compliance with national standards and guidelines.
Furthermore, the text acknowledges the principle of national preference by requiring investors to rely on local companies and human resources while transferring technology and providing a detailed plan to enhance local content and create added value for the national economy.
Regarding the export of green electricity, the draft regulates this process by imposing an annual fee on facilities designated for export, calculated based on production volumes, and obligating exporters to submit monthly reports on the quantities and financial value of exported electricity.
Additionally, the draft establishes a system for managing the capacity of the national electricity grid, whereby the granting of the construction license is considered a temporary reservation of this capacity, which becomes a final reservation upon obtaining the operating license, ensuring the stability of the electricity system.
It also mandates operators of these facilities to submit annual reports on environmental impacts and actual production data, as well as the necessity to report any technical incidents that may affect safety within a maximum of 24 hours.
