Renewable Energy: Morocco Prepares a New Generation of Gas Stations

Tuesday 18 - 15:42

Morocco is set to evolve the administrative framework applicable to gas station and filling station projects. A new circular from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development is set to come into effect on October 31, 2026, aiming to make procedures clearer, more uniform, and better suited to the transformation of the energy sector.

This reform comes at a time when the Kingdom is continuing to modernize its energy administration and develop renewable sources. The ministry is particularly focused on digitizing several public services related to gas stations and filling stations.

A More Structured Administrative Path

For investors, one of the main changes lies in clarifying the various steps necessary to obtain the required permits. The new system specifies the progression of files, from their submission to the final decision.

The instruction aims to verify the admissibility and completeness of applications before proceeding with the necessary evaluations for the project. Field surveys and the examination of technical aspects are also part of this process.

The stated goal is to reduce discrepancies in interpretation and ensure a more uniform treatment of requests across the territory.

Towards Harmonization of Territorial Practices

The circular pays particular attention to the coordination between regional and provincial services. This harmonization aims to limit gaps in the administrative processing of projects and to provide operators with better visibility on the various stages of their applications.

Compliance with regulatory deadlines is also an important aspect of the system. For investors, a better-defined procedure can allow for better anticipation of the different phases of a project, especially when it involves technical studies, development works, or significant investments.

This desire to improve administrative efficiency is part of a broader digital transformation initiative undertaken by the Department of Energy Transition. The ministry has already implemented digitization processes concerning several services related to gas stations and filling stations.

Digitization at the Heart of the New System

The electronic platform plays a central role in this new approach. Its prioritized use is expected to help streamline the flow of files and facilitate their tracking by the different stakeholders.

Beyond the potential time savings, digitization should also promote better traceability of administrative operations. It thus contributes to the broader goal of modernizing public services within the energy sector.

For project holders, this evolution could gradually reduce dependence on physical procedures and make the administrative path more comprehensible.

Renewable Energies in New Stations

However, the novelty does not only concern administrative procedures. The circular also introduces an energy dimension by encouraging investors to consider, from the design of their stations, the use of electricity from renewable sources.

Two avenues are particularly highlighted: self-production of renewable electricity and the purchase of electricity from renewable sources.

At this stage, it is not about systematically imposing renewable supply on new stations. The approach is more about anticipation and integrating this possibility into the design of projects.

This direction aligns with the national energy strategy, which increasingly emphasizes local renewable resources in the development of electricity production capacities.

A Coordinated Instruction for Projects Integrating Renewables

Projects that include a component related to renewable energies will require coordination among the relevant departments. The goal is to enable coherent instruction while maintaining the application of rules, technical requirements, and regulatory deadlines specific to each procedure.

This evolution could have concrete consequences on the design of future stations. Investors may need to integrate the electrical needs of the site, the possibilities for self-production, and the modalities for sourcing renewable electricity earlier in the process.

The development of mechanisms to identify the renewable origin of electricity is also part of a broader dynamic. In 2026, the ministry began implementing a national system of renewable electricity origin certificates, aimed at certifying the renewable source of electricity injected into the grid.

A Gradual Transformation of the Gas Station Model

With this new framework, the ministry aims to achieve two complementary objectives: simplifying the administrative processing of projects and supporting their energy evolution.

The gas station could thus gradually transcend its traditional role as a mere fuel distribution infrastructure. As the electrification of transport, renewable energies, and new energy uses develop, these sites could become more versatile infrastructures, capable of integrating different forms of supply and energy services.

The expected entry into force on October 31, 2026 will mark a new step in the evolution of the framework applicable to these infrastructures. It will especially aim to measure, in practice, whether administrative simplification and the anticipated integration of renewables can lead to faster, better-coordinated projects that are more aligned with Morocco's energy ambitions.