UN: Morocco, ‘World Leader’ in Renewable Energy (Minister)

United Nations – Over the past two decades, Morocco has become a “world leader” in renewable energy, thanks to a forward-looking policy initiated under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, said in New York, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali.

Speaking at an event organized as part of the Political Forum on Sustainable Development (July 4-15) under the theme “Accelerating action on SDG 7 for the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement: universal energy access and a just, inclusive and equitable energy transition”, Benali said that Morocco has not hesitated to invest heavily in renewable energy, aiming in particular to increase its electricity mix to exceed 52% by 2030.

Aware of the great potential of the development of renewable energy, the Kingdom has put in place an appropriate framework to accelerate universal access to energy and achieve the energy transition, said the Minister, noting that some 52 renewable energy projects with an installed capacity of over 4 GW are already in service, while more than 59 other projects are under development or implementation.

She further indicated that the energy model adopted by Morocco is based on the development of renewable energy and the promotion of energy efficiency, noting that the renewable energy sector has become a wealth-generating sector that leads to the improvement of human welfare and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and resource scarcity.

Benali also underlined that energy efficiency is the second pillar of the energy transition of Morocco, stating that the Kingdom has 80 energy efficiency measures allowing a potential energy savings of 20% expected by 2030.

To promote the development of renewable energy, Morocco has proceeded to strengthen regional and international cooperation to pool technological and financial means and natural resources, said the Minister.