Background

Morocco is one of the largest energy importer in the region: 95% of energy needs are met through imports (over 25% of total imports in 2012), resulting in a growing trade deficit.

There is a strong commitment to renewable energy as a substitute to expensive energy imports.

Morocco is considered the largest potential markets for RE in the region thanks

to excellent solar resources throughout the country and wind resources along Atlantic coast. There is potential to export RE to Southern Europe.

Policy Framework

There is strong political direction and a legal framework in place

• National Plan for the Development of Solar Thermal Energy (2001)

• National Plan for the Development of Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency (2006)

• Solar PV Programme (2007)

• National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Plan (2008)

• Renewable Energy Development Law (13.09): no set limit on amount of power generation capacity, flexibility as to final use of output (can be used locally or exported)

Establishment of public agencies

• National Agency for the Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• MASEN, Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (2010)

Target Setting

42% of energy generation mix by 2020, including 14% solar, 14% wind and 14% hydro

• 400 MW of small hydro capacity (2015)

• 2000 MW of solar capacity (2020) - across 5 sites, for an anticipated $9 billion

• 2000 MW of wind capacity (2020) - only 291MW operational as of 2012

Project Pipeline

• 160 MW Ouarzazate Noor 1 CSP Project (Phase 1)

• 300 MW Tarfaya Wind Project

In 2012, a consortium led by ACWA Power International (Saudi Arabia) won the tender organised by the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN) to build and operate a 160 MW CSP plant in Ouarzazate. The agency is now soliciting bids for the development of a 300 MW solar facility.

As for wind projects, the National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE) is evaluating bidders for a massive 850MW wind complex (BOOT) that will comprise five wind farms in the Sahara.