Morocco: A Leader in Sustainable Energy for the Future – Akhannouch Reaffirms the Kingdom’s Commitment to a Green Transition

Since His Majesty King Mohammed VI assumed the throne, may God assist him, Morocco has embarked on a profound, progressive, and sustainable energy transformation, stated the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, on Wednesday in Ouarzazate during the opening of the 16th Energy Conference. The conference is themed: “Energies: A Strategic Pillar of Water Security and Sustainable Development.”

Mr. Akhannouch highlighted Morocco’s significant investments in renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydropower—as well as more recently in green hydrogen. He also praised the establishment of robust institutions and the enhancement of governance within this strategic sector, citing the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) as key players in the current energy dynamic.

The Head of Government emphasized the crucial role of international partnerships, particularly with France, the honored guest country at this edition, and the strategic decision to open the sector to private investment. He also referred to his visit to the Noor complex in Ouarzazate, where he witnessed the effective operation of the four plants and expressed his gratitude to the dedicated teams on the ground.

Mr. Akhannouch expressed Morocco’s ambition to go even further by integrating renewable energies more thoroughly into production, transport, housing, and agriculture systems, while promoting low-carbon solutions throughout the country. He underscored the importance of fully harnessing emerging technologies, particularly the strategic potential of green hydrogen.

The “Morocco Offer” initiative for the development of this sector continues an energy policy based on over 15 years of experience in renewable energies and 30 years of openness to private investments.

The close relationship between water and energy was also highlighted, emerging as a crucial challenge at a global scale. To address this, Mr. Akhannouch advocated for an integrated, localized, and multisectoral approach, combining innovation, engineering, scientific research, and citizen engagement.

In light of the water stress that has impacted Morocco in recent years, he emphasized the necessity of completely rethinking water policy, integrating innovation at all stages—from resource mobilization to reuse. He mentioned the desalination project in Dakhla, powered by renewable energies, which helps reduce both the carbon footprint and the cost per cubic meter of water.

Mr. Akhannouch affirmed that this energy transition is underpinned by a proactive vision placing renewable energies at the heart of the country’s energy sovereignty and its transition to a low-carbon economy. He noted that this strategy requires modernized governance, increased openness to private capital, and a stable and transparent regulatory framework.

He concluded by stating that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco will steadfastly continue its journey towards sustainable and equitable development, strengthening its partnerships and its role as a regional and international leader in energy solutions.

This conference, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty the King, is organized by the Federation of Energy, under the aegis of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, in partnership with MASEN and the Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN).