Recently Morocco has been receiving a lot of acclaim for its ventures into the renewable energy sector, particularly with its solar advancements. In March the US openly applauded the North African country’s alternative energy sector for the positive model it was setting (US Applauds Morocco’s RE Efforts).
Morocco recognizes its huge potential in the solar and wind sectors, but also sees it as a necessity since the country is the only North African nation that isn’t rich in oil. Moroccan delegations are constantly traveling to some of the world’s leading industrial nations to hold discussions about its plans into the RE sector, and it appears to be working.
Morocco, led by the head of the Moroccan Agency for solar energy Mustapha Bakkoury, is currently promoting its renewable energy strategy in Milan, Italy, meeting with ministers and several economic stakeholders. The country aims to generate 2,000 MW by 2020, a plan announced in November, in order to reduce its reliance upon oil and gas imports which total 96%. The Moroccan delegation is promoting its solar sector as well as its wind activities, including its latest wind energy project valued at $3.5 billion.
On July 4 France announced that it would support Morocco’s 500 MW solar power plant project in Ouarzazate (Morocco Receives More Help from France). The two countries signed 11 cooperation agreements worth €146.8 million at the 10th Moroccan-French high level meeting highlighting the civil nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainable development, social welfare, fisheries, water, and transport sectors.
And the country hasn’t stopped there. As the Desertec Industrial Initiative continues to make headlines, it was announced that Morocco would be the first country tackled (Morocco First on Desertec Minds).
It is clear that the country must become more self-sufficient, but Morocco appears to have a certain prowess with discussions involving major world figures and RE leaders. These talks do not seem to be filler and fluff as investments continue to pour into the North African country’s renewable energy division. While many African governments send delegations proposing plans, Morocco has made it a point to highlight its plans with a step by step process ensuring completion. This detailed plan mitigates risk and is a major attraction for investors.
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