Latest news with #16thEnergyConference


Morocco World
24-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Reaffirms Green Energy Leadership at 16th Energy Conference
Rabat– The 16th Energy Conference, held at the symbolic Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, gathered key public and private stakeholders from Morocco's renewable energy and water desalination sectors. Organized by the Fédération de l'Énergie in partnership with Masen and Iresen, the event focused on the theme: 'Energy: A Strategic Pillar for Water Security and Sustainable Development.' Opened by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, the conference shed light on Morocco's accelerated shift toward renewables under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. 'Since the beginning of His Majesty's reign, Morocco has undergone a deep, progressive, and sustainable energy transformation,' Akhannouch stated, noting that the target of 52% installed renewable energy capacity is expected to be achieved by 2027 — three years ahead of schedule. The Noor complex, inaugurated in 2016 and now fully operational with 580 MW of capacity, stands as a symbol of Morocco's energy revolution. Rachid Idrissi Kaitouni, President of the Fédération de l'Énergie, talked about how the facility greatly contributes to energy sovereignty and economic competitiveness. Energy Minister Leila Benali affirmed Morocco's commitment to advancing renewables, highlighting 15 years of project experience and over three decades of private sector involvement. 'Morocco intends to push forward with the development of renewable energy and meet the challenges of energy transition,' she stated. Significant investments are planned to support this transition. The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has approved a MAD 220 billion investment budget through 2030, aiming to multiply investments in electrical networks fivefold and triple funding for energy projects. One of the key themes of the conference was the interdependence between energy and water, particularly amid the country's ongoing struggle with severe drought. Experts and officials spoke about the importance of powering desalination plants with renewable energy, an approach that reduces both carbon emissions and the cost of producing potable water. They also touched upon flagship projects such as the Dakhla desalination plant, currently under construction, and the future Casablanca station as examples of this integrated strategy, reinforcing Morocco's commitment to both energy sustainability and water security. As the world grapples with climate challenges, Morocco's model offers a compelling example of how renewable energy can drive sustainable development, powering not just homes and industries but also the essential infrastructure needed to secure water for future generations. Tags: arab energy conferenceClimategreen energy


Morocco World
23-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Officially Launches Tender Process for LNG Terminal
Rabat – Morocco has officially launched a tender, expressing interest in the development of national gas infrastructure, including the creation of the country's first liquefied natural terminal at the Nador West Med Port. Minister of Energy Leila Benali announced the news today during her participation at the 16th Energy Conference in Ouarzazate. The Energy Federation, in partnership with the Moroccan agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), hosted the event, chaired by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. During the event, Benali said that a gas pipeline network will be built to connect the new terminal to the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline. The network will supply existing and future power plants operated by the National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water, as well as industrial zones extending to Kenitra and Mohammedia. It will be later linked to future LNG terminals on Morocco's Atlantic coast and to the ongoing Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project. Benali explained that the project is part of Morocco's efforts to boost the country's energy security and expand regional partnerships, noting the critical interconnection between energy, water, and food security amid global geopolitical tensions and environmental pressures. She also conveyed Morocco's determination and commitment toward developing further Morocco's energy transition, highlighting the role of international cooperation in accelerating this transition. The energy minister notably stressed the importance of cooperation with France, the guest of honor at this year's conference. Morocco seeks to supply its energy demands through renewable energy, to achieve at least 52% of installed energy capacity from renewable energy by 2030. Reports indicate that this capacity has now reached 45%. Tags: Moroccan natural gas projectnatural gas in Morocco


Maroc
23-04-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Govt. Head Hails Morocco's Gradual, Sustainable Energy Transformation Under Royal Guidelines
Morocco has undertaken an in-depth, gradual and sustainable energy transformation since the outset of His Majesty King Mohammed VI's reign, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch declared on Wednesday in Ouarzazate. Speaking at the opening of the 16th Energy Conference, Akhannouch emphasized that the Kingdom has invested in solar, wind and hydroelectric power, and more recently in green hydrogen, in addition to establishing strong institutions and strengthening governance capacities. Akhannouch referred to Wednesday's visit to the Noor solar power station in Ouarzazate, with its four power plants now being operational, hoping to "to go even further." He envisioned to see renewable energies further integrated in the production, transport, housing and agricultural systems, and a generalization of low-carbon solutions in Moroccan cities, industries and rural territories. In this sense, he mentioned the "Morocco Offer" for the development of the green hydrogen sector, currently being implemented in accordance with the High Royal Guidelines, which is an extension of the Kingdom's 15 years of experience in the development of renewable energies. On the other hand, Akhannouch highlighted the Energy-Water Nexus as a major concern for several countries, urging for synergy between water and energy policies. "The water stress experienced by Morocco over the last 7 years requires us to completely overhaul our water policy," he observed, noting the need to integrate innovation into the entire water sector value chain, from research and resource mobilization to distribution and reuse. In view of the worsening effects of climate change and its impact on water resources, on the one hand, and the growing demand for water, on the other, the Kingdom is committed, in line with the High Royal Guidelines, to implementing a large-scale desalination program. MAP: 23 avril 2025