Casablanca – Morocco is continuing to intensify its energy transition strategy through large-scale investments, accelerated project approvals, and a series of structural reforms aimed at strengthening energy sovereignty, boosting industrial competitiveness, and supporting long-term sustainable growth.

According to statements delivered before the House of Councillors by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the country has entered a new phase of energy sector transformation marked by faster execution of renewable energy projects and a significant increase in installed capacity.

Accelerated approvals and investment momentum

During the first quarter of 2026 alone, Moroccan authorities authorized energy projects totaling around 3,000 megawatts, with investment commitments estimated at approximately $2.27 billion. The minister described this period as a major milestone in the country’s investment cycle, noting that the approved capacity represents nearly one-third of Morocco’s current installed electricity capacity.

This acceleration is part of a broader trend that has seen the pace of renewable energy project approvals increase significantly over the past four years. Since 2021, Morocco has authorized around 66 renewable energy projects, representing a combined capacity of about 6 gigawatts and investments exceeding $5.67 billion. This compares with only 23 authorizations recorded between 2011 and 2021, reflecting a substantial increase in regulatory and investment activity.

Officials describe this shift as an eightfold increase in the pace of approvals, driven by reforms designed to streamline administrative procedures and improve the investment climate in the energy sector.

Expansion of renewable energy capacity

Morocco’s electricity system has undergone steady structural changes, particularly in the share of renewable energy. Installed renewable capacity increased by 1,733 megawatts during the current government mandate, bringing total installed electricity capacity to around 12.2 gigawatts in 2025.

At the same time, the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix rose from 37% in 2021 to 46% in 2025, reflecting continued expansion of solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects.

Authorities also note that the actual share of clean energy may be higher than official figures suggest, due to the rapid expansion of decentralized solar systems installed by households and businesses, as well as increased self-production of electricity.

Strategic investment plan through 2030

The government is currently implementing a long-term electricity development program covering the period from 2022 to 2030, with total investments reaching approximately $12.37 billion.

The program aims to add 15 gigawatts of additional electricity generation capacity, with more than 12 gigawatts expected to come from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This represents a clear shift toward low-carbon energy production and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This strategy is also closely linked to Morocco’s broader industrial policy, which seeks to enhance competitiveness in export markets increasingly governed by environmental and carbon-related standards.

Regulatory reforms and market modernization

Alongside physical investments, Morocco is advancing a set of legal and institutional reforms aimed at modernizing the energy sector.

Key legislation includes law 82.21 on self-production of electricity, which allows households and companies to generate their own renewable electricity for personal consumption. This has contributed to increased adoption of rooftop solar systems and reduced electricity costs for some consumers.

In parallel, law 40.19 on renewable energy has simplified administrative procedures for project development and enabled, for the first time, the implementation of electricity storage infrastructure. Storage systems are considered essential for managing intermittency in renewable energy production and ensuring grid stability.

The government has also introduced certificates of origin for green electricity. These certificates are designed to certify the renewable nature of electricity used in industrial production, improving the competitiveness of Moroccan exports in international markets where environmental compliance is increasingly important.

In addition, the National Electricity Regulatory Authority has been activated, with new transparency measures including the publication of grid capacity availability and tariffs for network access.

Energy sovereignty and diversification strategy

Officials emphasize that Morocco’s energy strategy is increasingly driven by the objective of energy sovereignty. This includes reducing exposure to global price volatility, improving domestic supply security, and diversifying energy sources.

Natural gas is being developed as a transitional fuel intended to complement renewable energy generation. A draft legal framework governing the gas sector is currently under review by the General Secretariat of the Government and is expected to be finalized in the coming period.

The government is also pursuing reforms of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines as part of a broader restructuring of the energy governance framework.

Green hydrogen and emerging industries

Beyond traditional renewable energy sources, Morocco is also positioning itself in emerging sectors such as green hydrogen. This technology, produced using renewable electricity, is seen as a strategic opportunity for industrial development, export diversification, and long-term decarbonization.

Authorities view green hydrogen as a key pillar in the country’s future energy mix, alongside solar and wind expansion and improved grid infrastructure.

Rural electrification and inclusive access

Energy policy also includes a strong social dimension, particularly through the “PERG 2.0” program, which aims to complete electrification of remaining rural and remote areas using decentralized renewable solutions.

Following recent natural disasters, including the 2023 earthquake in the Marrakesh-Safi region, emergency energy solutions combining solar panels and battery storage were deployed to provide electricity to affected households, demonstrating the flexibility of decentralized systems.

Petroleum sector reforms and job creation

In parallel with renewable energy expansion, Morocco continues to reform the petroleum products sector. These reforms focus on improving competition, simplifying administrative processes, and digitizing regulatory procedures.

According to official data, more than 800 service stations have been developed through investments of approximately $257 million, generating over 4,000 jobs.

Structural shift toward a diversified energy system

Morocco’s energy sector is undergoing a comprehensive transformation combining accelerated renewable energy deployment, large-scale infrastructure investment, and deep regulatory reform.

With 3,000 megawatts of new projects approved in early 2026 alone and a long-term target of 15 gigawatts of additional capacity by 2030, the country is reinforcing its position as one of the most active renewable energy markets in the region.

The ongoing reforms indicate a continued shift toward a more diversified, decentralized, and low-carbon energy system, with implications for industrial competitiveness, energy security, and long-term economic development.