Casablanca – Russian coal exports from the Rostov region have seen a significant boost, with a remarkable 50% increase in the first nine months of 2024, reaching over 1.16 million tons. This surge is largely attributed to rising demand from North African nations, particularly Morocco, along with other markets in Southeast Asia and Turkey, according to regional government reports.

Igor Sorokin, Deputy Governor of Rostov, noted that coal mining companies in the region have capitalized on increased exports this year. The surge is attributed to effective cooperation and a shift in sales towards North African countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. Additionally, demand from Southeast Asian countries, especially India and Thailand, as well as Turkey, has also contributed to the increase in Russian coal exports.

The growing exports reflect the strategic importance of the North African market, with Morocco emerging as a key consumer of Russian coal. Morocco’s reliance on coal has been a subject of ongoing discussion, particularly as the country works to balance its energy mix. The Moroccan government has set ambitious goals to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity grid to 52% by 2030, aiming to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, including coal, for power generation.

However, despite these renewable energy goals, coal remains a crucial part of Morocco’s energy landscape. In fact, Morocco is among the world’s largest coal importers, and the country’s continued reliance on coal raises questions about the pace and scale of its transition to cleaner energy sources. Morocco imported nearly 3 million tons of coal in the first eight months of 2024, with Russian coal playing a prominent role in meeting the country’s energy needs.

In response to the growing demand for coal, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Energy has put forward proposals to the federal authorities. These include exempting coal from the list of goods subject to export duties and enhancing rail transport efficiency, which could further boost export volumes. The regional authorities in Rostov have also supported the coal sector financially, allocating more than 700 million rubles over the past five years to improve production and export capabilities.

As part of its long-term energy strategy, Russia aims to increase its coal production to 7 million tons annually by 2035, with plans to modernize existing mines and develop new ones. With substantial coal reserves in the Rostov region, estimated at 6.5 billion tons, the area is well-positioned to meet the growing demand from global markets, including Morocco.

The surge in Russian coal exports to Morocco highlights the ongoing energy challenges in the region. As Morocco works toward its renewable energy targets, the reliance on coal remains a significant part of the energy equation, raising important questions about the balance between energy security and sustainability in the years ahead.