Morocco Eyes 1.6 GW Renewables with $1.95 Billion Investment in Disputed Western Sahara Area

Morocco is emerging as the top performer when it comes to the adoption of renewables and minimizing the use of fossil fuels to generate power. In a new development, Morocco has launched a new project for renewable energy development in Western Sahara region with a massive investment of 20 billion dirhams ($1.95 billion). The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Dr. Leila Benali.

The Western Sahara region is a vast desert territory under dispute. The Energy Minister of Morocco was deliberating at a government session when she held that renewable energy projects are being implemented in the region. They have a total capacity of over 1.6 GW. The capacity represents about 36 per cent of the total capacity which is currently being set up in Morocco.

Dr. Benali said, “Renewable energy projects are receiving great interest from Moroccan and foreign investors.”

Rabat is expanding its footprint in Western Sahara. The national government in October 2019 launched as many as 68 investment projects of more than $6 billion and held that nearly a third of the projects were ought to be implemented in Sahara.

Morocco failed to reach its original target of 37% of renewable capacity by 2020. However, since then, it has shown both greater intent and action, by first targeting a renewable share of 52% by 2030: 20% solar, 20% wind, and 12% hydro power.

British company Xlinks is developing a 10.5 GW solar-plus-wind project, combined with a battery storage facility in Morocco. UAE based AMEA Power two solar projects as part of Noor PV II Programme.

India’s NTPC too has signed an MoU with Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) for mutual cooperation in the renewable energy sector. It will usher in the joint development of utility-scale RE projects.