”Morocco has undeniable assets in terms of renewable energies, with capacity factors that are among the best in the world,” said Ms. Benali, who spoke during the panel “the decarbonization dilemma: Developing fair and peaceful transitions in the countries of the South”, organized as part of the 60th Munich Security Conference, which will continue on Sunday.
The Kingdom was the first country to have signed a green partnership with the European Union, recalled the government official, noting that the country “has everything it takes to establish credible partnerships.”
Indeed, Morocco has around fifteen years of experience in the development of renewable projects, which are important for the energy transition, and also a long experience in the mining sector, which has today become an important sector for critical metals, she noted.
And to summarize that Morocco’s energy strategy is based on three pillars, namely renewable energies, energy efficiency and regional integration, stressing that Morocco is today perceived as “a model which has achieved a lot of success in its energy transition”.
According to the minister, it is necessary to redefine a new generation of partnerships, in order to succeed in the energy transition and to face the various challenges of climate change.
”The national energy strategy, launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2009, underlines Morocco’s determination to maintain a stable energy strategy,” said Ms. Benali, adding that the objective is to continue the energy trajectory adopted by the Morocco to drastically and stably reduce energy costs for citizens and the national economic fabric.
On Friday, the minister took part in the panels of the first day of the Munich Conference, which focused on ”mitigating the effects of conflicts and wars on the availability and access to drinking water”, as well as on “climate diplomacy and the global economic order for a renewed transatlantic partnership”.
Interview: The Future of Renewable Energy in Morocco
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Ms. Benali! Thank you for joining us today. Your insights from the recent panel at the Munich Security Conference shed light on a crucial topic—decarbonization in the global south. To start off, could you elaborate on what makes Morocco a standout player in renewable energy?
Ms. Benali: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Morocco indeed has unique advantages in renewable energy. We benefit from high capacity factors, particularly in solar and wind energy, which means that our renewable installations can operate efficiently and generate power consistently. The country’s geographical diversity allows us to harness these resources effectively.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! Can you tell us more about the specific renewable energy projects Morocco has undertaken, particularly in collaboration with international partners?
Ms. Benali: Absolutely! One of our flagship projects is the Noor Solar Complex in Ouarzazate, which is one of the largest solar plants in the world. This project not only demonstrates our commitment to renewable energy but also exemplifies our collaboration with international entities. Additionally, Morocco was the first country to sign a green partnership with the European Union, which opens up further opportunities for investment and technology transfer.
Time.news Editor: Signing a green partnership is a significant milestone. How do you see this partnership impacting Morocco’s renewable energy goals and its socio-economic landscape?
Ms. Benali: The partnership with the EU is critical for us. It provides financial support and technical expertise that we might not have access to otherwise. This cooperation enhances our capacity to develop more sustainable projects, which can lead to job creation, economic diversification, and ultimately, energy independence. It’s about creating a fair and peaceful transition, ensuring that our investments benefit the local communities.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of local communities, how do you address concerns about equitable access to energy during Morocco’s transition to renewables?
Ms. Benali: Equity is at the heart of our renewable strategy. We are keen to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy projects are shared among all citizens. This includes promoting local entrepreneurship in energy projects, investing in training programs, and ensuring that marginalized communities have access to clean energy solutions. It’s vital that this transition is just and inclusive.
Time.news Editor: Transitioning to renewables while ensuring fairness is indeed a balancing act. Looking ahead, what challenges do you foresee for Morocco as it continues to develop its renewable energy sector?
Ms. Benali: One significant challenge is the need for infrastructure development. Our grid must be updated to accommodate the influx of renewable sources, and we are working on that. Additionally, we must continue to engage in international partnerships to stay at the forefront of technology and innovation. Climate change also poses ongoing risks—adaptation strategies will be crucial.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ms. Benali. Your insights highlight the importance of collaboration and equity in transitioning to renewable energy. As Morocco embarks on this ambitious path, we look forward to witnessing how these strategies unfold.
Ms. Benali: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful about our progress and eager to see how Morocco can set a benchmark for other countries in the global south. Together, we can pave the way towards a sustainable future.