As of the end of 2025, Morocco has made remarkable strides in renewable energy, with renewables accounting for a significant 39.6% of its installed electrical capacity. In stark contrast, Algeria's renewable energy contribution stands at a mere 2.1%. This striking disparity highlights that Morocco's renewable energy sector is nearly 19 times larger than that of its neighbor, according to the latest international statistics.
The findings originate from the Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report by IRENA, which compares the installed capacities of both nations as of late 2025. The exact ratio between the two countries is noted to be 18.9. Importantly, this statistic reflects the share of renewables in total installed power capacity, not the share of renewables in actual electricity production. This metric is crucial for Morocco's ambitious goal of achieving 52% renewable energy by 2030.
In terms of absolute figures, Morocco boasts 4,851 MW of renewable capacity compared to Algeria’s 601 MW, marking an eightfold difference. Looking back to 2016, the renewable capacities were 2,417 MW for Morocco and 500 MW for Algeria. Over the past nine years, Morocco has successfully doubled its renewable capacity, while Algeria’s growth has been limited to approximately 20%.
The Wind Energy Divide: A 245-Fold Difference
The most significant gap is evident in wind energy, where IRENA reports that Morocco has 2,452 MW installed by the end of 2025, as opposed to a negligible 10 MW in Algeria, resulting in a staggering 245-fold difference. Wind energy already plays a substantial role in Morocco's energy mix, and the country continues to explore its substantial offshore wind potential. In solar energy, while the difference is less pronounced, Morocco still leads with 1,086 MW compared to Algeria's 462 MW.
The trend over the past nine years further amplifies the contrast between the two countries. In 2016, renewable energy constituted 28.9% of Morocco's installed capacity, while Algeria was at 2.5%. Fast forward to the end of 2025, and Morocco has increased its share to 39.6%, whereas Algeria's share has decreased to 2.1%. The average for Africa now stands at 29.2%, placing Morocco well above the continental average while Algeria remains stagnant around 2%.
Thus, the claim of Morocco's renewable capacity being nearly 19 times greater does not pertain to the amount of green electricity produced, but rather reflects the share of renewables in each country's total power capacity. This comparative criterion clearly indicates that Morocco has surpassed the African average, while Algeria continues to lag behind.
As reported by bladi.net.
