Latest news with #LeilaBenali
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco to Double Power Capacity by 2030 Ahead of World Cup
Doha – Morocco plans to more than double its power generation capacity by 2030 when it co-hosts the FIFA World Cup. Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali announced the ambitious expansion during a chemical industry forum in Rabat on Wednesday. According to Bloomberg, renewable sources will make up 80% of the increase to 27 gigawatts from the current 12 gigawatts. The expansion will cost MAD 120 billion ($13 billion) through public and private investment. The North African country will host football's top tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. However, Morocco's limited fossil fuel reserves, coupled with mounting water challenges driven by climate change and recurring droughts, make early preparation essential. The largest private investment deal in Morocco's history The government signed agreements this week binding the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to a consortium of financial titans: the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, TAQA Morocco (the local subsidiary of Abu Dhabi's energy colossus), and Nareva (the energy arm of the royal holding Al Mada). The historic megadeal represents the largest private investment in Morocco's modern history. The partnership includes a 1,400-kilometer high-voltage transmission corridor from Dakhla to Casablanca. Four seawater desalination facilities will be built with a combined annual capacity of 900 million cubic meters. The desalination plants will operate exclusively on renewable energy at a competitive pricing of MAD 4.5 per cubic meter or below. 'For the first time, industry operators have access to unlimited amount of energy at the most competitive prices,' Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour said. The UAE partnership projects will also create over 25,000 jobs, with 10,000 permanent positions after commissioning. The country targets contributing 4% of global green hydrogen production by 2030. Chakib El Alj, head of the main business lobby group CGEM, confirmed this projection. State-controlled OCP SA plans to produce 3 million tons of green ammonia in 2027. This would make it the world's largest producer of carbon-free fertilizer, according to manufacturing executive Ahmed Mahrou. Renewable energy at the forefront More than 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been authorized under the current government. These projects represent an investment of over MAD 19 billion ($1.9 billion) and have generated over 300 direct jobs plus thousands of indirect positions. The government is accelerating plans to harness the wind and solar energy potential. This includes projects in its southern provinces in the Western Sahara to boost water desalination capacity and attract foreign investment in the green economy. Morocco's energy efficiency approach aims for 20% energy savings by 2030. The strategy considers objectives within the country's sustainable development plan and targets transport, construction, industry, agriculture, and lighting sectors. Additionally, the country aims to generate 52% of its energy from clean renewable sources by 2030. Morocco has launched an initiative rewarding citizens who achieve energy savings, leading to 3% decrease in consumption. The government expects energy efficiency measures to create 100,000 jobs by 2030. Energy savings of 6.58% were recorded in 2020 alone. Morocco will invest MAD 30 billion ($3 billion) in upgrading its national electricity grid by 2030. This investment excludes an important 3-gigawatt power link connecting the southern and central regions. The government is allowing private sector participation in the electricity network when necessary. This marks the first time authorities opened the door to private grid investments. Over 9 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be added between 2023 and 2027, with an estimated investment of MAD 90 billion ($9 billion). The government aims to quadruple annual renewable energy investments. Current renewable energy capacity stands at 5.4 gigawatts, supplying nearly 20% of electricity demand. Morocco has invested in renewable energy for fifteen years, which now covers 38% of electricity needs. The Noor Ouarzazate complex produces around 580 megawatts and ranks among the world's largest concentrated solar power plants. These strategic efforts align with King Mohammed VI's directives to accelerate Morocco's energy transition. Read also: Portugal Turns to Morocco Power Link as France Blocks EU Grid Tags: 2030 World Cupleila benalirenewable energy
Ya Biladi
22-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco plans major energy expansion ahead of 2030 World Cup
Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali announced Morocco's plan to more than double its electricity generation capacity from 12 to 27 gigawatts by 2030, when the kingdom will co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Speaking at a chemical industry forum in Rabat on Wednesday, Benali revealed that renewable sources will account for 80% of this expansion. According to Bloomberg, the ambitious project will cost 120 billion dirhams ($13 billion) through a combination of public and private investment. The expansion aims to boost water desalination capacity and attract foreign investment in green economy sectors, including carbon-free hydrogen and fertilizer production. Morocco targets contributing 4% of global green hydrogen production by 2030, while state-controlled OCP SA plans to produce 3 million tons of green ammonia by 2027. For the record, the government has signed agreements with UAE-based Taqa and Morocco's Nareva to increase electricity production and develop desalination plants.
Bloomberg
21-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Morocco Aims to Double Electricity Capacity by 2030 World Cup
Morocco plans to more than double its power generation capacity by 2030, when it co-hosts the FIFA World Cup, Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali said. Renewable sources will make up 80% of the increase to 27 gigawatts, from 12 gigawatts now, Benali told a chemical industry forum in the capital Rabat on Wednesday. The expansion, including public and private investment, will cost a total 120 billion dirhams ($13 billion), she said.
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: Feasibility Study, Route Finalized
Rabat – The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has made significant progress, with key agreements signed, feasibility and engineering studies completed. Plans are also underway to create a special-purpose company and make the final investment decision by the end of 2025. Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, shared the latest developments on the project during a session in the Council of Advisors, the upper house of Morocco's parliament. Speaking at the oral questions session, Benali revealed that the latest ministerial meeting concerning the project had resulted in the approval of an agreement between the participating countries, along with the Host Country Agreement. These agreements mark a significant step forward in the project, which aims to connect Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves to Morocco, and further extend to Europe. The minister explained that the project will proceed in phases, noting that the feasibility study and initial engineering studies have been completed, along with determining the optimal route for the pipeline. The focus currently is on creating a special-purpose company between Morocco and Nigeria to oversee the implementation of the project. This company will be responsible for the final investment decision, which is expected to be made by the end of this year. Read also: UAE To Invest in Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, which is estimated to cost approximately $25 billion, represents a major driver for economic, industrial, and digital development, Benali says. It is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities and serve as a key factor in transforming Morocco into a primary energy transit hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic basin. One of the key components of this project is the creation of a national gas infrastructure. The Moroccan government launched a call for interest in April 2025 to develop infrastructure that will connect the northern regions of Morocco, including the port of Nador, to cities such as Kenitra, Mohammedia, and eventually to Dakhla. This expansion will help integrate the national network with the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline. The pipeline itself will span approximately 6,000 kilometers, passing through several African countries, with an annual capacity of 15 to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas. It is expected to provide access to energy for about 400 million people across 13 countries, dramatically improving energy access in the region. Tags: gas projectMorocco Nigeria
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest and Moroccan politician Leila Benali in London for talks with UK Government on huge $51billion project a year after they were pictured kissing in Paris
Mining billionaire Andrew ' Twiggy ' Forrest is back in the headlines with the glamorous Moroccan politician he was photographed kissing in Paris last year. Mr Forrest has been in talks with Britain's Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, about a $51billion dream to power the UK with electricity from Morocco. The project aims to send solar power generated in the Moroccan desert back to the British electricity grid through a 4000km undersea cable. Leila Benali, Morocco's Energy Minister, who was pictured kissing Mr Forrest a year ago, was also in London in late April to sell her nation's energy supply to Mr Miliband. But it is understood Mr Forrest did not cross paths with Ms Benali and he was instead in New York after being named among Time magazine's 100 most influential people. The Fortescue Metals Group chairman, worth an estimated $15billion, was recognised by Time for his philanthropy and transforming the mining giant into a 'clean-energy powerhouse'. Daily Mail Australia published pictures of Mr Forrest kissing the glamorous woman in a Paris park last May, almost a year after he announced his split from wife Nicola. Mr Forrest was seen with his arm around his companion's shoulders as they walked along Rue de Francs-Bourgeois through the historic Marais district on the Right Bank of the River Seine. An observer said the couple appeared 'very affectionate' as they held hands and enjoyed the sights of the City of Love. Ms Benali was subsequently named as the woman embraced by Mr Forrest in the Place de Vosges but she denied it was her to Moroccan media. Morocco World News quoted the nation's Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development describing reports about Ms Leila and Mr Forrest as 'offensive'. The outlet said Ms Benali 'denies any connection' to the photographs of Mr Forrest - 'as a minister responsible in the government as well as a Moroccan woman and mother'. 'She also extended her gratitude and appreciation to all those who have shown her support and solidarity as she navigates what she has maintained is a fabricated and baseless story,' it reported. Ms Benali was asked by a Moroccan journalist after the pictures were published if she had any romantic connection to Mr Forrest in an exchange captured by a local news website. 'No, no, I will not speak,' she told the reporter. Daily Mail Australia contacted Morocco's Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development about her association with Mr Forrest but it never responded. Mr Forrest declined to discuss the photographs at the time, with a spokeswoman saying the 63-year-old does not comment on private matters. There have been no published reports of Mr Forrest being seen with Ms Benali since the Paris images emerged. Mr Forrest founded iron ore miner Fortescue in 2003 and is now dedicated to 'ending the use of fossil fuels, creating green energy solutions, tackling global challenges like modern slavery' according to company's website. Fortescue announced in April last year it had entered a joint venture with Moroccan state-owned phosphate miner OCP Group to supply green hydrogen, ammonia and fertilisers. Mr Forrest is seeking the support of Mr Miliband for his proposal to pipe clean energy via subsea cable from North African solar farms to Europe. Ms Benali said 'the current state of global infrastructure requires radical transformations' when she addressed the Summit of the Future of Energy Security in London last month. Mr and Ms Forrest announced their separation on July 12 , 2023 after months of speculation they were no longer together. 'After 31 years of marriage, we have made the decision to live apart,' they said in a joint statement. 'Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong.' As well as maintaining a 36 per cent shareholding Fortescue, the Forrests jointly oversee their private investment arm, Tattarang Capital, and co-chair the philanthropic Minderoo Foundation. The Forrests bought bush outfitters RM Williams through Tattarang in October 2020 and added the equally iconic Akubra hat brand to their portfolio in November 2023 year. At the same time the Forrests revealed the end of their marriage they stated there would be no change in the way their business and charity empire operated. 'There is no impact on the operations, control or direction of Fortescue, Minderoo or Tattarang,' a company spokeswoman assured investors. 'Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest share the same vision for Fortescue to become the world's leading green energy and green metals company leading global heavy industry to tackle climate change.'
