Morocco's ambitious plans for renewable energy and strategic minerals

Wednesday 07 May 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's ambitious plans for renewable energy and strategic minerals

Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, has proclaimed that Morocco is on a determined path to emerge as a regional hub for renewable energy and strategic minerals. Her remarks came during the 4th edition of the Europe-Africa Forum held in Marseille, where Morocco was honored as the guest of honor.

In her address, Benali emphasized Morocco’s unwavering commitment to clean energy and sustainable development, aligning with the nation's broader vision that regards energy transition as a strategic imperative and a cornerstone of its new development model.

Over the past two decades, Morocco has made substantial investments in energy infrastructure, enabling the country to generate electricity at competitive rates from renewable sources. The minister highlighted that the cost of producing renewable energy in Morocco is less than one-third of that of nuclear power in certain European nations.

This advancement, as articulated by Benali, is integral to Morocco’s goal of establishing energy transition as a fundamental element for achieving energy sovereignty and bolstering energy security amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Furthermore, Benali detailed Morocco's focus on advancing renewable energy, localizing technology, and cultivating local industrial supply chains to foster job creation. She pointed out the country’s significant potential to produce green hydrogen products, such as methanol and ammonia, which could serve to fuel international shipping fleets more economically than liquefied natural gas.

In addition to energy, Benali underscored the significance of incorporating strategic minerals into the energy transition framework. She noted that Morocco is collaborating with both African and international partners to revise sustainability standards and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) certifications for critical minerals.

This initiative is part of what she described as a “super-region” extending from Kazakhstan to South Africa, with Morocco at its heart. The objective is to establish robust, sustainable supply chains while enhancing African integration.

Looking ahead, Benali expressed optimism that Morocco will unveil a new unified framework for sustainable mining practices during the forthcoming national mining conference.