Morocco: Addressing Energy Challenges
Morocco faces significant challenges in its energy landscape, mainly due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Oil dominates the energy mix, accounting for roughly 57% of total consumption, closely followed by coal at 33%. Additionally, the country depends heavily on energy imports, with approximately 90% of its needs sourced from abroad. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels, and imported energy, highlights the critical need for diversifying towards renewable energy sources to meet the increasing domestic demand.
Utilising Morocco’s abundant natural resources, particularly solar and wind power, offers opportunities to mitigate environmental impact, enhance energy security, and boost economic resilience.
The Quarzazate Solar Power Station
The Ouarzazate solar power station, is one of the largest concentrated solar projects in the world, using the abundant sunlight of the region to generate clean, renewable energy. Using innovative technology involving thousands of concave mirrors, this project produces a staggering 750 GWh of power annually. Furthermore, with the capability to store solar energy for up to 7 hours, this project extends its benefits far beyond daylight, ensuring reliable power even after the sun sets.
The Ouarzazate project surpasses mere energy generation. Its construction has provided employment opportunities for nearly 7,000 local people, boosting the economy and instilling a sense of ownership in the project. It stands as a prime example of Morocco’s commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future.
Healthcare and Education Initiatives
Beyond energy and economic benefits, the project prioritises the well-being of the local community. A mobile hospital ensures access to essential healthcare services, while financial contributions support the local medical centre, enhancing the local healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, investments in education, such as the provision of a school minibus, have contributed to reducing school dropout rates, thereby investing in the future of the community.
Taking Action – How you can make a meaningful impact
We encourage our customers, partners, and any other stakeholders to join us on this journey towards a sustainable future. By supporting initiatives such as those in our Climate Action Calendar, together we can make a meaningful impact on the planet.
If you are interested to read more about this solar power project and our other carbon offsetting donations, you can find them on our Ecologi dashboard here:
Here’s our Climate Action Calendar, illustrating our climate action efforts from the past, present, and future.
Source: EIA International Statistics and Analysis U.S Energy Information Administration
International Trade Administration, Morocco Country Commercial Guide
