In the sunny city of Marrakech, the shine of solar panels on rooftops is becoming increasingly common. Like many Moroccans, Jesus Miguel Vera Lopez in Marbella, Spain, has adopted solar energy to reduce his electricity costs. But Morocco’s solar ambitions go far beyond—they reflect a national desire to transform the country’s energy landscape and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Morocco’s ambitious shift towards renewable energy
Morocco has set an ambitious goal: to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A recent report from SolarPower Europe, in collaboration with the Global Solar Council and Cluster EnR, highlights that Morocco’s cumulative photovoltaic (PV) capacity is expected to reach nearly 3 gigawatts (GW) by 2028.
Currently, fossil fuels provide about 90% of Morocco’s primary energy and 80% of its electricity. The transition to renewables is not just about environmental responsibility—it is about energy security in a region heavily dependent on imports.
Thanks to its National Energy Strategy launched in 2009, Morocco has already made progress, with renewables representing 20% of electricity production today, and solar energy making up an increasing share. From 38% of installed capacity in 2022, renewables rose to 41% in 2023 and are expected to reach 45% in 2024.
The growth and challenges of solar energy in Morocco
In 2023, Morocco had about 0.32 GW of installed solar PV capacity, according to SolarPower Europe and ONEE (the national electricity operator). Forecasts paint a promising picture: a medium growth scenario sees capacity climbing to 2.27 GW by 2027 and nearly 3 GW by 2028. An optimistic outlook puts this figure above 4 GW in the same timeframe.
However, Morocco’s solar journey has not been without obstacles. The country still prioritizes concentrated solar power (CSP), which has sometimes slowed the expansion of PV. Delays in project implementation and their integration into the electricity grid have also limited the sector’s potential. To put this into perspective, Morocco’s total installed electrical capacity in 2024 is around 12,000 MW, with solar accounting for about 831 MW, including CSP.
Stimulating investments and reforming the market
To accelerate solar deployment, Morocco must continue to open its electricity market to private investors. Streamlining power purchase agreements (PPAs), clarifying legal frameworks, and establishing tax incentives are crucial steps to bolster investor confidence. Encouraging energy-intensive industries to enter into PPAs could further strengthen the sector.
The report also emphasizes the importance of interconnections between north and south, as solar production centers are mainly located in southern Morocco while demand is concentrated in the north. Strengthening transmission networks is essential for effectively distributing solar energy and improving grid stability.
Investments in modernizing and digitizing the grid will enhance flexibility and resilience, ensuring that Morocco’s electrical system can absorb the growing share of solar energy. Additionally, strengthening energy storage and demand management tools will help smooth solar intermittency and maintain a stable supply.
Simplifying processes and encouraging innovation
A major bottleneck is the complex and slow permitting process. The report recommends centralizing approvals under agencies such as MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) to speed up project reviews and reduce administrative backlogs.
Other incentives on the table include VAT exemptions on solar equipment, tax reductions for investments in solar infrastructure, and tax credits for R&D to promote innovation in solar technologies.
To further facilitate financing, Morocco could promote green bonds, low-interest loans, and establish renewable energy funds in collaboration with international financial institutions—making long-term financing for solar projects more accessible.
Exporting solar energy beyond borders
Morocco’s solar ambitions also extend beyond its borders. The country aims to become a hub for solar electricity exports to neighboring nations. To achieve this, competitive export tariffs, bilateral trade agreements, and investments in cross-border transmission infrastructure are necessary.
Interconnections with North African and European countries will be essential to unlock Morocco’s full potential as a renewable energy powerhouse.
