In Morocco during 2024, more than half (close to 69%) of electricity consumption is sourced from fossil fuels, notably coal, which alone accounts for nearly 55%. In stark contrast, approximately a quarter of the electricity (almost 26%) comes from low-carbon sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. Wind energy is the most significant low-carbon contributor, generating about 21% of the electricity. Solar contributes close to 4%, and hydropower slightly more than 1%. Additionally, almost 10% of electricity comes from gas, and imports make up nearly 6%. While low-carbon sources are a significant portion, there's potential and necessity to diversify and expand clean energy supply to mitigate climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Morocco?
Over the past year, there has been positive growth in Morocco's electricity consumption per capita, rising from 1175 kWh in 2023 to 1219 kWh in 2024, marking an increase of 44 kWh per person. This uptick signifies a growing demand and consumption of electricity which is largely being supported by an expansion in low-carbon electricity production. Remarkably, clean energy generation per person rose from 244 kWh in 2023 to 316 kWh in 2024, an impressive increase of 72 kWh per person. This upward trend signals a robust movement towards a sustainable and green electricity future, which is crucial for meeting the energy demands fueled by societal and technological advancements.
Suggestions
For Morocco to augment its low-carbon electricity generation, investing in and expanding its wind capacity is a logical step, considering its current success and potential for growth. Drawing inspiration from regions with thriving low-carbon electricity sectors can further guide Morocco's journey. Countries like Denmark and states like Iowa, which rely heavily on wind energy, illustrate the viability and success of this path. Alongside wind, the potential for solar expansion is promising, especially when considering examples like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar contributes a substantial portion of the electricity mix. Furthermore, even though Morocco currently doesn't have nuclear energy as part of its portfolio, looking towards regions like France and Slovakia showcases how nuclear can robustly complement solar and wind to provide a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Morocco reflects notable developments over the decades. In the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s, hydropower saw fluctuating contributions with periods of growth and decline. However, more recently, Morocco has made more consistent advancements in wind and solar energy. The last few years emphasize upward momentum, particularly in 2023 and 2024, where significant additions in wind and solar capacity have been evident. The jump in wind electricity generation in 2023 and 2024, especially with the 3.3 TWh increase in 2024, highlights a strong commitment to expanding clean electricity and combating the negative impacts associated with fossil fuels.
