Morocco leads Arab coal consumption in 2025 amid energy transition challenges

Monday 03 August 2026 - 16:12

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco leads Arab coal consumption in 2025 amid energy transition challenges

Morocco remained the largest coal consumer in the Arab world in 2025, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on fossil fuels despite its ambitious plans to expand renewable energy sources and accelerate its energy transition.

According to recent energy data, Morocco’s coal consumption reached around 0.28 exajoules in 2025, compared with approximately 0.27 exajoules in 2024, representing an increase of nearly 6%. This level placed the Kingdom ahead of other Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria.

The continued importance of coal in Morocco’s energy mix is mainly linked to its role in ensuring electricity supply stability. Coal-fired power plants remain a major source of electricity generation, helping meet the growing demand from households, industries, and economic activities.

In 2025, coal accounted for about 61.5% of Morocco’s electricity production, underlining the country’s dependence on this energy source. However, Moroccan authorities continue to pursue policies aimed at gradually reducing the share of fossil fuels by investing in renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind power.

Across the Arab region, the United Arab Emirates ranked second in coal consumption, followed by Egypt. Other countries, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, recorded lower levels of consumption, while Algeria experienced a significant decline in its coal use.

Globally, coal continued to play a major role in the energy sector in 2025, with worldwide consumption reaching new highs. Asian countries, especially China and India, remained the largest consumers, accounting for a significant share of global coal demand, followed by the United States.

For Morocco, the challenge ahead lies in balancing energy security with environmental commitments. While coal continues to provide a reliable source of electricity, the Kingdom is expanding investments in renewable energy infrastructure, electricity storage capacity, and international energy connections to build a more sustainable energy model.

Morocco’s energy strategy reflects a complex transition process: maintaining stable electricity supplies in the short term while gradually moving toward a cleaner energy system with a greater role for renewable resources.