Leila Benali Declares the Dawn of Energy Efficiency and the Transformation of Challenges into National Opportunities
Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, inaugurated the first National Day for Energy Efficiency in Rabat on Wednesday, under the slogan “Regional Energy Efficiency Plans and Decarbonization,” a strategic step aimed at enhancing energy sovereignty and accelerating the pace of decarbonization.
The minister emphasized that energy efficiency is no longer an option but a crucial tool for ensuring energy security amid fluctuating international markets and geopolitical challenges. She stressed the necessity of managing demand and diversifying energy sources, noting that prices alone are no longer sufficient to regulate consumption. She highlighted the importance of continued support for butane in vital sectors such as agriculture and tourism.
Since 2009, Benali stated that Morocco, under the wise leadership of King Mohammed VI, has charted a sustainable energy path that relies on renewable energy and energy efficiency, with installed capacity from these sources reaching approximately 5,630 megawatts, accounting for 46% of the national energy mix, and is expected to reach 52% by the end of 2030.
The national energy efficiency strategy aims to achieve a consumption reduction of no less than 20% by 2030, through intelligent interventions in the transportation, construction, industry, and public lighting sectors, supported by a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes mandatory energy audits, performance standards for equipment, energy service companies, and consumer regulation measures during peak periods.
The minister highlighted the success of initiatives in the public sector, noting that over 6,500 mosques have been renovated to reduce energy consumption by more than 40%, alongside approximately 100 public buildings achieving an annual saving of around 18.47 gigawatt-hours. The “Energy Efficiency Reward” initiative launched in 2022 has resulted in savings close to 800 gigawatt-hours, equivalent to the consumption of a city the size of Meknes, with financial support amounting to nearly 240 million dirhams to incentivize consumers.
In a regional context, Benali confirmed that local authorities represent the key link in implementing energy policies, mentioning the preparation of regional energy efficiency and decarbonization plans since 2024 for the twelve regions, based on a participatory approach aimed at achieving energy savings ranging from 12% to 20%, alongside a notable reduction in emissions, with total investments reaching around 48 billion dirhams and a call to engage the private sector through innovative financing models.
The minister also underscored the importance of enhancing the legislative framework, through the self-production decree issued in March 2026, and the tracking system for electricity source certificates, to support the transition towards a low-carbon economy, while continuing to assist the middle and vulnerable classes and enabling businesses to invest in energy efficiency projects.
Leila Benali concluded her speech by emphasizing that the success of this national initiative hinges on the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including central institutions, local authorities, and the private sector, to ensure the transformation of strategic ambitions into tangible projects that enhance the competitiveness of the national economy and serve the interests of citizens.
