Morocco has the potential to decarbonize the European economy

Morocco has the potential to decarbonize the European economy, according to Mohcine Jazouli, Morocco’s representative in charge of investment, integration and national policy evaluation. During the Davos 2023 forum in Switzerland, El Jazouli told Euronews that Morocco’s ability to produce solar and wind energy “will allow us to decarbonize the European economy”. The minister participated in the event from January 16th to 20th as part of the Moroccan delegation. Al-Gazouli was not the only one commenting. Morocco has attracted international attention for its ambitious plans to produce green energy.

A December 2022 report ranked Morocco as one of three countries “doing everything it can” to develop green energy capacity. Morocco is currently home to the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. In addition to increasing investment in solar energy, the country is investing heavily in wind energy and creating incentives for investment in green energy. The North African country also recently pledged to increase the share of green energy in its energy mix to 70% by 2040 and 80% by 2050, which is one of the highest targets compared to countries in the region.

Morocco’s green energy partnership with Europe is already bearing fruit, and in 2030 Morocco will start exporting green electricity to the UK via submarine cables. The project will cover 8% of the UK’s total electricity needs. Morocco “leads the way”. This is the message underlined in this report, which states that the Alawi kingdom ranks high because of “appropriate rules and guidelines.” Among the aspects highlighted in the report is the Kingdom’s contribution to combating climate change. State investments will exceed 7,000 million euros.

But while this is almost always good news for Moroccans and Tunisians, Green For South calls for stricter regulations that would ideally ensure compliance, boost green emissions, and promote new awareness and training programmes. They argue that the role of governments is not only to ensure compliance with emissions standards, but also to raise awareness among the population so that they themselves can cooperate in preventing climate change. “They must consider local conditions and support stakeholders in implementing governance processes and measuring impact,” he added. Gas dependence and energy insecurity are already raising alarm bells Many European and African countries, including Morocco.

Large imports of spent energy and the closure of the Maghreb gas pipeline in October 2021, which means cutting gas taps, have increased the commitment of the Alawite kingdom to renewable energy to cover not only its own consumption, but also that of Morocco, The main historical partner on the European continent. The North African country recently reached an agreement not only with the European Union, but also with other countries, such as Israel, on the exploration and production of natural gas. According to Munia Buscetta of Atlas Instrucciones Reales, it is about consolidating investments, creating attractive offers and promoting the development of a competitive value chain.