IAEA Identifies Morocco Among Emerging Nuclear Players

Wednesday 29 November 2023 - 08:28

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has identified Morocco as one of several countries with the potential to develop nuclear power capabilities in the coming years.

In a presentation on Tuesday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi named Morocco alongside Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as nations that could join the ranks of nuclear energy producers.

Grossi projects that the number of nuclear reactors globally will need to double from around 400 today to 800 in order to meet climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Currently, 10 countries have committed to building new plants, while 17 others, including Morocco, are evaluating the prospect.

Morocco has been considering nuclear energy as a way to advance its green transition and reinforce energy sovereignty. Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali said last June that Morocco would launch a study on the feasibility of constructing a nuclear reactor, with parliament slated to review the report later this year.

The North African nation has already invested heavily in large-scale wind and solar farms. However, the intermittency of renewables has led Morocco to explore nuclear as a reliable baseload power source. With capacity factors over 90%, nuclear plants can generate consistent electricity to complement variable output from wind and solar installations.

While offering immense energy potential, nuclear technology also comes with environmental risks that must be carefully managed. Radioactive waste from reactors can remain hazardous to humans for over 1,000 years if not properly disposed.

Morocco established its Nuclear Safety Agency (ASSNuR) in 2014 to oversee safe applications of nuclear technology. Last June, ASSNuR completed a five-year training program with the IAEA focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks, building skilled human resources, and incorporating nuclear risk management strategies.

With the IAEA's recommendation, Morocco appears positioned to pursue its nuclear ambitions while ensuring the highest safety and responsibility standards are met.