Casablanca – Morocco’s carbon dioxide emissions continued to rise modestly in 2024, according to several international reports tracking global energy and environmental performance. The increase occurred despite notable progress in renewable energy development and a relatively stable energy supply, highlighting the ongoing challenge Morocco faces in balancing economic growth, energy demand, and environmental sustainability.

Emissions rise despite clean energy efforts

Data from the 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy, compiled by the Energy Institute in collaboration with consultancy firms Kearney and KPMG, indicates that carbon emissions from Morocco’s energy sector reached 69.1 million tons in 2024, an increase of 100,000 tons compared to 2023. This modest uptick reflects a 1.2% increase in total energy supply, which reached 0.95 exajoules.

The rise in emissions, though relatively small, occurred despite Morocco’s continued investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Analysts say this trend underlines the enduring reliance on fossil fuels—particularly oil and natural gas—to meet the country’s growing energy demands.

In broader terms, Morocco’s total greenhouse gas emissions, including methane from industry and gas flaring, stood at 73.6 million tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2024. By comparison, South Africa recorded 479.3 million tons, and Egypt registered 270.6 million tons, positioning Morocco in the middle range of African emitters.

Regional and global context

Across the African continent, total carbon emissions from energy reached 1.399 billion tons last year. South Africa remained the largest contributor, with 432.2 million tons, followed by Egypt (226.2 million tons) and Algeria (156.4 million tons). Morocco’s emissions, while not insignificant, were considerably lower in comparison.

On the global stage, China remained the world’s top emitter, producing a staggering 11.172 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2024, up from 10.007 billion tons in 2023. Globally, total emissions hit a new record of 40.8 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent, marking a 1% annual increase.

Fossil fuel consumption increases

One of the main drivers of Morocco’s increased emissions was the growth in fossil fuel consumption. The country’s daily oil consumption rose to 316,000 barrels in 2024, up 5.5% from 299,000 barrels in 2023. This increase reflects Morocco’s expanding industrial activities and transportation needs, both of which remain heavily dependent on petroleum products.

Natural gas use also climbed slightly, with a 1.3% year-on-year increase, bringing total consumption to 0.9 billion cubic meters. Though gas use in Morocco is relatively modest, it still contributes to overall emissions and reflects the slow pace of transition away from fossil-based energy sources.

In Africa, Egypt led in oil consumption with 782,000 barrels per day, followed by South Africa at 470,000 barrels. The United States retained its position as the largest global oil consumer, with a daily average of 20.3 million barrels in 2024.

Renewable energy: Wind gains momentum

Despite the rise in emissions, Morocco continued to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The country achieved significant progress in wind energy, with installed capacity growing by 14.5% in 2024, reaching 2,128 megawatts—up from 1,858 megawatts in 2023.

Solar power capacity, including both photovoltaic systems and concentrated solar power (CSP), remained steady at 934 megawatts. While this figure did not increase from the previous year, it reflects a mature solar infrastructure that has been central to Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions over the past decade.

These developments position Morocco as a leader in clean energy deployment within the African region, although the pace of expansion must accelerate to offset rising fossil fuel use.

A dual challenge

The data paints a complex picture of Morocco’s energy and environmental landscape. On one hand, the country continues to make commendable strides in expanding renewable capacity, particularly in wind power. On the other hand, its ongoing dependence on oil and gas is contributing to rising carbon emissions at a time when global efforts to mitigate climate change are intensifying.

Experts note that the transition to a low-carbon economy in Morocco will require not only investment in clean energy infrastructure but also systemic changes in energy consumption patterns, industrial processes, and transportation systems.

In the coming years, Morocco’s ability to curb emissions while meeting rising energy demands will be a key indicator of its progress toward achieving national climate goals and fulfilling international commitments under the Paris Agreement.