As renewable energy continues its drive globally, can an African nation become the center for the RE revolution? US Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment, and Science Kerri-Ann Jones believes Morocco is “well positioned and has great potential.”
The US official highlighted Morocco’s efforts to link the research community to the productive sectors through concrete projects and commended its participation in international initiatives. She lauded the North African country for its commitment to develop wind and solar energy in addition to its tremendous work with international organizations. For example, the country receives an annual grant of $700 million from the World Bank for health, poverty, climate change, solar energy, and the country’s Green Plan.
With its strategic location to Europe, many investors enter into the region via Morocco. In February, the country announced the completion of its Ain Beni Mathar plant, the world’s first integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) facility, with the help of Abener.
While the country saw a few protests crop up during the “Arab Spring” that saw leadership change in Tunisia and Egypt and continued fighting in Libya, Morocco has maintained a relative calmness. Its other North African neighbors appear to have put renewable energy initiatives on the backburner with political instability, Morocco has continued onward and set a budget for renewable energy and energy efficiency. The North African country plans to spend $11 billion for renewable energy by 2020.
A renewable energy service hub could be on the horizon and Morocco could be the center for RE technology, innovation, and implementation.
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