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Morocco is intensifying its energy reforms to bolster energy sovereignty and attract investment, according to Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali. The government is actively expanding its renewable energy initiatives and aims to create new job opportunities while enhancing the legal framework governing the natural gas sector.
Renewable Energy Gains Momentum
During a recent session at the House of Councillors, Benali revealed that the government has successfully added 1,733 megawatts of renewable energy capacity during its current term, pushing the total installed capacity to an anticipated 12.2 gigawatts by 2025. The contribution of renewable sources to Morocco’s national electricity mix has also seen a significant uptick, rising from 37% in 2021 to 46% this year.
This robust expansion reflects Morocco’s strategic push towards embracing sustainable energy solutions amidst rising global demand. The minister emphasized that 2023 marks a pivotal year; with 66 new renewable energy projects licensed, totaling nearly 6 gigawatts of capacity and over 55 billion dirhams in investments, a stark contrast to only 23 licenses granted between 2011 and 2021.
Transformative Investment Climate
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, approvals were granted for additional projects close to 3 gigawatts, amounting to 22 billion dirhams in investments. This surge illustrates a rapid transformation in the investment landscape of Morocco’s energy sector, aimed at securing greater energy resilience and supply stability.
Benali also highlighted the importance of legislative reforms, particularly the self-generation of electricity law, which enables households and businesses to produce their own clean electricity. This legislative shift is designed to streamline administrative processes and facilitate the development of energy storage projects, further integrating green energy into the national grid.
Strategic Gas and Hydrogen Initiatives
In addition to its renewable energy focus, the Moroccan government is advancing plans for developing a hydrogen economy and preparing a national natural gas strategy. Benali underscored that natural gas will play a crucial transitional role in ensuring the stability and flexibility of the country’s energy network.
Looking ahead, Morocco has mobilized 120 billion dirhams for an electrical equipment plan extending to 2030, targeting an additional capacity of 15 gigawatts, with more than 12 gigawatts expected to derive from renewable sources.
Accessible Electricity for All
On the accessibility front, the “PERG 2.0” program aims to provide clean electricity to remote villages, leveraging solar energy solutions and electric storage systems. Minister Benali concluded by affirming her ministry’s commitment to advancing stalled energy projects, both public and private, and digitizing processes related to permits and investments in the petroleum sector.
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