By Faridat Salifu
Morocco is positioning itself as a continental leader in clean energy transition, with plans to completely phase out coal power by 2040, an ambitious target that hinges on global climate finance and sustained renewable investments.
The plan, announced by the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), highlights Morocco’s determination to align its energy strategy with international climate goals. The country, which joined the alliance in 2023, has since intensified efforts to diversify its energy sources, reduce emissions, and strengthen its renewable capacity.
Coal currently accounts for nearly 60 percent of Morocco’s electricity mix, but that share is falling as the nation accelerates solar, wind, and gas projects. By 2030, Morocco hopes to generate 52 percent of its installed capacity from renewable energy—up from about 45 percent today.
“Morocco has stopped planning for new coal power plants,” the energy minister said, describing the move as a key step toward a just and sustainable energy future.
Experts say the country’s phased withdrawal from coal is not just an environmental pledge but also an economic strategy aimed at attracting climate finance, modernizing infrastructure, and creating new jobs in green industries.
Morocco’s clean energy ambition has already begun translating into large-scale industrial investments. In September, it announced Africa’s first battery gigafactory, a $5.6 billion project led by China’s Gotion High-Tech.
The plant will manufacture electric vehicle batteries, cathodes, and anodes, with products primarily serving European markets. The project’s first phase will employ about 2,300 people, with the full rollout expected to create 10,000 jobs.
According to Rachid Ennassiri, head of the climate think tank Imal, Morocco’s commitment to retire coal plants early and reform energy contracts sends “a strong message that the transition is no longer theoretical but a concrete national agenda.”
Analysts believe that with the right mix of policy reforms and international funding, Morocco could become Africa’s clean energy hub showing how a coal-reliant economy can pivot toward sustainability without compromising growth.