For several years, Morocco has been undergoing a significant transformation in its energy sector. Faced with increasing electricity demand and its climate commitments, the kingdom has adopted a model that emphasizes the extensive integration of renewable energies and energy efficiency. The African Development Bank (AfDB) supports this long-term transformation through strategic investments, contributing to enhancing the country's capabilities and accelerating its energy transition.
As stated by Ashraf Tarsmim, the AfDB Resident Representative in Morocco, "In Morocco, the energy sector transformation is no longer just an ambition; it has become a reality gaining increasing momentum. By combining renewable energy with upgrading the electricity grid and storage solutions, the country is establishing itself as a model to follow. This progress is made possible through massive investments, supported by the AfDB group, which is working to expand access to electricity and pave the way for a sustainable future."
Solar Energy: The Noor Ouarzazate Project and the Rise of Renewables
The Noor Ouarzazate solar project stands as one of the largest solar power plants globally, marking a significant achievement in renewable energy production. Supported by the African Development Bank, this program enables large-scale solar energy generation, with the group's contribution reaching $485 million across all project phases. The Noor Ouarzazate project, with a combined capacity of 580 megawatts distributed across four power plants, provides electricity to nearly two million people while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately one million tons annually.
Electricity Networks: The Backbone of Transformation
The flourishing of renewable energy would not have been possible without substantial investments in electricity transmission infrastructure. In this context, the AfDB approved a program in 2019 to develop the electricity transmission network and supply rural areas with electricity (PDRTE-ER), with funding of about €245 million aimed at enhancing electricity networks and accelerating electricity supply to rural areas. This program has enabled the extension of high-voltage lines, improved network reliability, and connected previously isolated regions.
The challenges lie in two main areas: efficiently integrating new renewable energy production capacities and ensuring equitable access to electricity throughout the country. This momentum also contributes to local economic development, with results including the connection of 20,000 new households to the grid through the establishment of approximately 1,300 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, 4,000 kilometers of low-voltage lines, and the installation of 800 medium/low voltage transformation stations.
With the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, the stability of the electricity system has become a growing priority. In this context, the Abdelmoumen pumped storage power station was established, financed with €179 million from the AfDB under the integrated wind, hydraulic, and rural electricity program (PIEHER). This pumped storage power station (STEP) plays a strategic role in storing surplus electricity and releasing it during peak demand periods, providing an effective solution to the intermittency of solar and wind energy production. Alongside its energy role, this project supports manufacturing in the country by ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply, with a combined capacity of 350 megawatts, capable of providing electricity almost instantaneously, up to 20 times daily, with production adjustable between 90 megawatts and 350 megawatts according to network needs.
In addition to projects enhancing and diversifying energy production, the AfDB's efforts have expanded access to electricity in rural areas. The Comprehensive Rural Electrification Program (PERG) was launched in 1995 with the aim of connecting off-grid areas to the national electricity network. Supported by the African Development Bank with nearly €200 million through the integrated renewable energy program (PIEHER) and the electricity transmission network development program (PDRTE-ER), this national program achieved near-comprehensive coverage across the country. Consequently, the electricity supply rate, which was less than 18% at the program's launch in 1995, has risen to nearly 100%. A total of 4,255 villages, home to over 500,000 residents, have been connected to the electricity grid thanks to this support.
The initiatives put forth reflect the AfDB's integrated approach in Morocco, aligned with the kingdom's organized energy vision. This vision has been gradually implemented, beginning with enhancing electricity networks for comprehensive coverage, followed by developing solar energy, and ultimately integrating cutting-edge energy storage solutions. In conclusion, within this context, the strategic partnership between Morocco and the African Development Bank has long-term supported the ambitious energy transformation by combining financing and technical expertise.
As reported by afdb.org.
