Streamlining Administrative Procedures for Renewable Energy Investment
The Moroccan government is actively working to enhance the investment landscape in renewable energy through a new draft decree aimed at simplifying and digitizing administrative processes. This initiative is part of the implementation of Law No. 09-13, as amended by Law No. 19-40, which focuses on the promotion of electricity production from renewable sources. The draft decree, which has been made available for public commentary, introduces a precise licensing system for the construction, expansion, and operation of renewable energy facilities. A significant aspect of this regulation is its commitment to transparency, mandating the publication of the available capacity of the national electricity grid for all stakeholders.
Key Features of the New Regulation
Among the noteworthy features of the draft decree is the introduction of financial guarantees amounting to 10,000 dirhams per megawatt, with a maximum limit of 10 million dirhams per project. This measure aims to ensure the seriousness of investors and the timely completion of projects. Furthermore, the decree establishes a specialized technical committee tasked with reviewing license applications. This committee is composed of representatives from the energy transition sector, internal affairs, and electrical network operators, ensuring that technical files meet national standards and guidelines.
The new regulation emphasizes the principle of national preference, requiring project owners to utilize local companies and human resources while also facilitating technology transfer. Investors are required to submit detailed plans to enhance local content and generate added value for the national economy. The document also meticulously regulates the export of green energy, imposing an annual fee on facilities designated for export, calculated based on production volume. Additionally, exporters must provide monthly reports detailing the quantities and monetary value of electricity exported.
Moreover, the regulation implements a stringent capacity reservation system for the national grid, considering the issuance of a construction license as a temporary reservation of capacity. This reservation becomes permanent upon obtaining an operational license, thereby ensuring the stability of the electrical system. Operators are mandated to provide comprehensive annual reports on the environmental impact of their facilities and actual production data, while ensuring the confidentiality of personal information. The regulation also stresses the necessity of reporting any technical incidents that could affect safety within a 24-hour timeframe.
Experts highlight that renewable energy represents a strategic option for achieving international goals aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. Countries in the Mediterranean basin, including Morocco, are particularly susceptible to climate changes. According to renewable energy and climate change expert Abdelali Dqina, reducing the impact of climate change requires a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation, necessitating a shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Dqina emphasizes that renewable energies play a crucial role nationally and globally in reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel use, which pose a significant risk to human health.
While the government emphasizes these initiatives, citizens are calling for affordable solar panels and potential government support to ease the financial burden. The cost of such investments could be significantly lower than current energy expenses, providing a practical solution for both individual households and the broader community.
As reported by hespress.com.
