Casablanca – Morocco is set to undergo a major assessment of its energy sector in 2026, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) conducting a dual review that combines a broad evaluation of national energy policies with a targeted analysis of energy supply security. The exercise reflects Morocco’s continued commitment to its energy transition and the alignment of its policies with international standards and emerging global challenges.

This evaluation marks the third major review of Morocco’s energy sector by the IEA since 2014, and comes at a critical moment for the Kingdom. In recent years, Morocco has accelerated its transition toward low-carbon energy sources, expanded renewable energy capacity, and strengthened its climate commitments, particularly under the Paris Agreement. The IEA review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of these developments, identify remaining gaps, and offer operational recommendations to guide future policy decisions.

Four key focus areas

The assessment will focus on four central pillars: energy security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and international integration. Morocco seeks to go beyond a mere snapshot of the sector, using the evaluation to recalibrate a decade-long energy trajectory in light of new challenges, including global energy market volatility, climate-related risks, and competitiveness pressures.

The energy security analysis is particularly important in the current context. Supply vulnerabilities have become a growing concern amid global market uncertainties, fluctuating fuel prices, and geopolitical tensions affecting energy flows. By combining a global review with a focused security assessment, Morocco aims to strengthen its resilience while ensuring a reliable and cost-effective energy supply for households and industry.

Enhanced cooperation with the IEA

The 2026 review is part of a broader partnership between Morocco and the IEA, renewed at COP29 in Baku in 2024. Under this collaboration, a joint work program has been established, covering electricity and gas market regulation, renewable energy and hydrogen development, carbon market management, and climate resilience. The partnership also supports technical capacity-building and aligns Morocco’s energy policies with international best practices.

In recent years, Moroccan authorities and international experts, including representatives from the French Development Agency, GIZ, and the European Union delegation, have held consultations to identify concrete priorities. These include the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, the development of energy infrastructure, and the creation of transparent energy markets.

Technical mechanisms and market reforms

The review will also examine technical mechanisms introduced to support Morocco’s energy transition, including energy attribute certificates (EACs). This mechanism certifies the renewable origin of electricity and aims to increase market transparency while promoting green investments. Its international recognition is considered crucial for Moroccan exporters, particularly under the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The IEA has been actively involved in refining these mechanisms, ensuring alignment with international standards such as private initiatives like RE100, which are increasingly shaping industrial supply chains.

Methodology and social considerations

The IEA review process will involve extensive data collection, interviews with stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society, and on-site visits to key energy facilities. Analysts will assess sector governance, legislative frameworks, and investments, while also examining social considerations such as affordability, access to energy, and efforts to combat energy poverty. Special attention will be paid to Morocco’s National Energy Strategy, the integration of variable renewable sources like solar and wind, and the country’s low-carbon ambitions.

Outlook and expected outcomes

The review, which will extend over several months, is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers. This report will serve as a reference for national energy planning and international cooperation, helping Morocco consolidate its achievements and anticipate future challenges in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. A high-level IEA mission is expected to visit Rabat in the coming months to conduct technical discussions with Moroccan authorities, with the official publication of the report scheduled for 2027.

Through this dual assessment, Morocco is reinforcing its commitment to a strategic, resilient, and internationally aligned energy transition, aiming to balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security while navigating an increasingly complex global energy environment.