Morocco has been attracting international attention in recent years for its ambitious plans for green energy production

Marruecos posee la capacidad para descarbonizar la economía europea

photo_camera AFP/FADEL SENNA - An aerial view of the solar mirrors at the Noor 1 concentrated solar power plant near the city of Ouarzazate

Morocco has the potential to decarbonise the European economy, according to Mohcine Jazouli, Morocco's representative in charge of investment, integration and national policy assessment. During the Davos 2023 Forum in Switzerland, Jazouli spoke to Euronews about Morocco's capacity to produce solar and wind energy "will allow us to decarbonise the European economy". The minister took part in the event from 16 to 20 January as part of the Moroccan delegation. Jazouli was not the only one to comment. Morocco has attracted international attention for its ambitious plans for green energy production. 

A report published in December 2022 listed Morocco as one of three countries "making every effort" to develop green energy capacity. Morocco is currently home to the world's largest concentrated solar power plant. In addition to increasing investment in solar power, the country is investing heavily in wind power and creating incentives for green energy investment. The North African country also recently pledged to increase the share of green energy in its energy mix to 70% by 2040 and 80% by 2050, one of the highest targets compared to countries in the region. 

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Morocco's green energy partnership with Europe is already bearing fruit, and in 2030 Morocco will start exporting green electricity to the UK via undersea cables. The project will cover 8% of the UK's total electricity needs. Morocco "leads the way". This is the message emphasised in this report, which states that the Kingdom of Alaoui ranks high due to "appropriate rules and guidelines". One of the aspects highlighted in the report is the Kingdom's contribution to the fight against climate change. State investment will exceed 7 billion euros. 

But while this is almost all good news for Moroccans and Tunisians, Green For South argues for stricter regulations that would ideally ensure compliance, boost green emissions and promote new awareness and training programmes. They argue that the role of governments is not only to ensure compliance with emission standards, but also to raise awareness among the population so that they themselves can cooperate in preventing climate change. They added that they "should consider local conditions and support stakeholders in implementing governance processes and measuring impact". Gas dependency and energy insecurity is a problem that is already causing alarm bells to ring in several European and African countries, including Morocco.

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The large imports of energy consumed and the closure of the Maghreb gas pipeline in October 2021, which meant cutting off the gas taps, have increased the Alawi Kingdom's commitment to renewable energies to cover not only its own consumption, but also that of Morocco, a key historical partner on the European continent. The North African country has recently reached an agreement not only with the EU, but also with other countries, such as Israel, on the exploration and production of natural gas. According to Mounia Boucetta of Atlas Royal Instructions, the aim is to integrate investments, create attractive offers and promote the development of a competitive value chain. 

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