By Abdullahi Lukman
Morocco is poised to boost its renewable energy capacity, with plans to reach 9,338 MW by 2029.
This ambitious goal follows approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) and marks a key part of the country’s broader efforts to modernize and diversify its electricity sector.
The planned increase in renewable energy capacity represents a 29 percent rise from the previous year, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to strengthening its green energy infrastructure.
This move comes after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including energy providers and regulatory bodies, leading to important adjustments in the country’s energy policy.
Among the key updates is an increased flexibility in reallocating unused grid capacity between the transmission and distribution networks.
This flexibility will help create a more balanced energy system by optimizing existing infrastructure, ensuring a more efficient match between energy production and consumption.
The National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has also emphasized the importance of transparency in the energy market, particularly in relation to grid capacity.
It plans to publish accurate hosting capacity data, which will assist both public and private operators in planning and decision making.
This data-driven approach is intended to guide the country’s energy policy while ensuring grid security and stability.
By collaborating closely with the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONE) and other network operators, ANRE is working to improve the overall reliability and resilience of Morocco’s electricity grid.
As Morocco transitions toward renewable energy sources, it aims to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The country’s energy mix has historically been dominated by oil and coal, but the shift to solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is becoming more pronounced.
While Morocco still imports a large portion of its energy needs, the government is focused on increasing the domestic production of renewable energy.
This will not only enhance energy security but also contribute to the country’s environmental goals by reducing its carbon footprint.
In recent years, Morocco has made impressive strides in its renewable energy capacity.
By the end of 2022, renewable energy accounted for 38% of Morocco’s total electrical capacity, or 4,154 MW.
This places Morocco among the top five African nations for renewable energy production, with a capacity of 3,727 MW, according to the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The Moroccan government’s broader strategy is focused on enhancing energy security, which includes increasing the share of renewable sources in electricity production.
These efforts are critical as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported energy, and as it continues to lead by example in the African energy transition.
