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China-Africa Trade Information Service
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China-Africa Trade Information Service
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Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has said that Morocco has positioned itself as a regional and continental leader in the field of renewable energies in the past few years.
Speaking on Monday at a panel discussion on "Energy, Security, and Mobility" in Rome as part of the Italy-Africa Summit, Akhannouch emphasized that the North African kingdom has been a regional and African leader in renewable energies for the past fifteen years.
Morocco has demonstrated its leadership by advancing the development of green hydrogen and carrying out the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which will support the energy security of both West Africa and the European Union.
Morocco launched its first renewable energy development strategy in 2009, which led to the commissioning of the first solar complex in the Moroccan city of Ouarzazate, Akhannouch said, citing King Mohammed VI’s vision as the driving force behind this milestone.
"Today, we are at a production level of 560 kw/h, and we also have three major solar projects, which should be commissioned by early 2027 in the Midelt region," Akhannouch said during the panel.
With over 40% of the energy mix now coming from renewable energies, Morocco aims to achieve a 52% share by 2030, he added.
The kingdom also intends to capitalize on its natural resources, advantageous geographic location, and human capital to develop the green hydrogen sector, Akhannouch stressed – emphasizing that "Morocco is favorably positioned on the global hydrogen map."
In addition, the Moroccan official indicated that the North African country is working to decarbonize the future and support Africa's energy security, highlighting the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project as "a model of regional integration based on a shared vision."
This large-scale project should expedite the electrification of certain countries and support the industrial and agricultural growth of the region, thus enhancing the standard of living for the population.
Given the present crisis-ridden environment, Akhannouch also said that "the need to build solid alliances between reliable partners is more pressing today."
He conveyed his belief that Italy can help Africa grow, particularly via collaboration in fields like infrastructure, training, energy, security, health, education, and immigration.
