Morocco to Invest MAD 30 Billion in National Electricity Grid by 2030
Rabat - Morocco plans to invest MAD 30 billion in its national electricity grid by 2030, according to Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. This excludes a major 3-gigawatt power link project between the southern and central regions of the country.
During a parliamentary session on Monday, Benali said that, for the first time, private sector investment in the electricity network will be allowed when needed.
Over 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been approved during the current government's term, the minister revealed. These projects represent an investment of more than MAD 19 billion and have already created over 300 direct jobs and thousands of indirect ones.
To reduce energy costs, Morocco is focusing on strategic measures such as improving the governance of the energy sector. This includes reforming the National Electricity Regulatory Authority to expand its role and separating the production, transmission, and distribution activities of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water.
Benali also reported progress in renewable energy projects, which now provide 5.4 gigawatts of installed capacity. Renewable energy projects already in operation are meeting nearly 20% of Morocco's electricity demand, she noted.
Read also: Morocco Produces 42.38 TWh of Electricity in 2023, Renewable Energy Up 22.7%
Between 2023 and 2027, Morocco plans to add over 9 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with an investment of MAD 90 billion. The government is looking to accelerate investment in this sector and increase annual renewable energy investments fourfold to exceed its goals.
Benali said that her ministry has also introduced reforms to simplify procedures and encourage investment. Many processes are now digitized for transparency, and most requests for renewable energy projects are processed within 30 days, she added.
These efforts, which align with King Mohammed VI's directives, aim to ensure Morocco's successful energy transition and support its sustainable development goals, the minister concluded.
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