Smart energy innovation: new production line for intelligent electric meters inaugurated in Fès

Thursday 27 February 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Smart energy innovation: new production line for intelligent electric meters inaugurated in Fès

A milestone in Morocco's industrial and energy sectors was marked on Wednesday with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art production line for intelligent electric meters at the Bensouda industrial zone in Fès. The facility, developed by Zinco, a subsidiary of the Zinelec group, represents a step forward in the country's transition toward high-tech energy solutions.

With an investment of 12 million dirhams (MDH) and the creation of 71 additional jobs, this new production line enables Zinco to manufacture advanced smart meters. These devices are equipped with cutting-edge technology for real-time consumption measurement, remote management, and integration into smart power grids. This innovation addresses the growing need for modernized energy infrastructure while supporting Morocco's push for energy transition, optimized resource management, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour emphasized the significance of the project, describing it as "a substantial advancement for our national industry, particularly in smart technologies, and a transformative step in energy management." He further highlighted that the initiative aligns with Morocco's national energy strategy, steered by the vision of King Mohammed VI, which prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency as pillars of the country's economic and social development.

In a statement to the press, Minister Mezzour noted that this project, the first of its kind in Morocco, is part of the national effort to strengthen industrial sovereignty. It also contributes to the import substitution strategy outlined in the country's industrial development roadmap.

Anouar Zine Filali, CEO of Zinco, hailed the inauguration as a pivotal moment for both the company and the wider industrial sector in Morocco. He expressed gratitude for the ministry's support and stressed the importance of fostering industrial sovereignty and developing locally sourced, high-performance solutions. "This new manufacturing facility reflects an ambitious vision to bolster our industrial fabric and address the challenges of the energy sector," he said, adding that the project aligns with King Mohammed VI's vision for industrial development, job creation, and economic autonomy.

Kevin Gaofeng, Vice President for Africa at Hexing, the Chinese group and Zinco's strategic partner, also attended the event. He underlined the project's importance in strengthening Morocco-China cooperation in innovation and technology transfer. "This facility exemplifies our commitment to supporting Morocco's vision for a modern, efficient, and sustainable industrial landscape," Gaofeng stated, praising Morocco's regulatory and institutional efforts to foster innovation and drive socio-economic progress.

Since its establishment, Zinco has grown from representing international brands to becoming a key player in local industrial integration. The company specializes in producing water and electricity meters, reinforced concrete poles for power lines, and public lighting solutions. Its smart meters, equipped with integrated communication technology, enable households to monitor and control their consumption in real-time. These devices also allow energy providers to manage networks more efficiently and facilitate the integration of renewable energies into the grid.

This facility represents not only a technological leap for Zinco but also a significant economic opportunity for the Fès-Meknès region and its youth. With an annual production capacity of up to 900,000 smart meters, the new line strengthens Morocco's industrial sovereignty and supports the expansion of national and African electric infrastructure.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key regional and local figures, including Mouad Jamai, Wali of the Fès-Meknès region and Governor of the Fès prefecture, Abdelouahed El Ansari, President of the region, and representatives of professional organizations.