Morocco leads the charge in renewable energy
Morocco is placing itself at the forefront of renewable energy development in North Africa, as the need for power increases in neighbouring countries amidst rising temperatures and climate change, according to a report in The Arab Weekly plus agencies on 23rd December.
The country’s Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030 outlines this motive, attempting to develop 24 gigawatts of renewable capacity in the next ten years. The scheme is projected to place Morocco as the primary creator of clean energy in North Africa.
A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that demand for energy is climbing throughout North Africa and the Middle East, as countries adapt to the effects of human-induced climate change.
Morocco’s energy development is being boosted by its $45 billion National Water Plan 2020-2050, which integrates renewable energy into water distillation projects to enhance food security. The integration of energy, water and agriculture is permitting the Kingdom to pull ahead of its African neighbours, as they struggle to economically adapt to changes in climate.
The production of green hydrogen and fertilisers has increased because of the incorporation of renewable energy into the industrial process, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel imports.
Morocco is also enlarging pumped hydro storage, attempting to regulate an oscillating electricity demand and supply-chain surges.
An energy analyst said: “This approach increases Morocco’s capacity to adapt to global market shocks and climate volatility … it reflects a holistic strategy linking energy infrastructure with food and water security.”
The government believes safeguarding clean energy is imperative to food production in a country plagued by droughts and heatwaves. An estimated 40 percent of the workforce is employed by the agricultural sector.
Renewable-powered desalination and irrigation projects allow agricultural productivity during periods of challenging weather.
Morocco’s renewable energy projects have drawn foreign investment, establishing employment in the green energy sector and removing the government’s reliance on traditional fossil fuel imports.
The IISS report notified the government that demand for renewable power places a strain on access to key minerals, such as copper and lithium, because of their use in batteries and storage. As a result, the government has introduced import and export management strategies, utilising Chinese technology to secure supply chains.
The Arab Weekly plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
