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Solar Energy Resource and Power Generation in Morocco: Current Situation, Potential, and Future Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Rania Benbba

    (Laboratory of Materials Energy and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco)

  • Majd Barhdadi

    (Modeling and Decision Support Systems Team, Mohammadia School of Engineers, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10000, Morocco)

  • Antonio Ficarella

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Giovanni Manente

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Maria Pia Romano

    (Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Nizar El Hachemi

    (Modeling and Decision Support Systems Team, Mohammadia School of Engineers, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10000, Morocco)

  • Abdelfettah Barhdadi

    (Semiconductors Physics and Solar Energy Team, Energy Research Centre, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10000, Morocco)

  • Ahmed Al-Salaymeh

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan)

  • Abdelkader Outzourhit

    (Laboratory of Materials Energy and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco)

Abstract

The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country’s energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country’s excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco’s effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners.

Suggested Citation

  • Rania Benbba & Majd Barhdadi & Antonio Ficarella & Giovanni Manente & Maria Pia Romano & Nizar El Hachemi & Abdelfettah Barhdadi & Ahmed Al-Salaymeh & Abdelkader Outzourhit, 2024. "Solar Energy Resource and Power Generation in Morocco: Current Situation, Potential, and Future Perspective," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-38, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:140-:d:1496779
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Henri-Louis Vedie, 2020. "Renewable Energy in Morocco: a reign-long project," Research papers & Policy papers on Commodities & Energy 2004, Policy Center for the New South.
    2. Henri-Louis Vedie, 2020. "Renewable Energy in Morocco: a reign-long project," Policy briefs on Commodities & Energy 2004, Policy Center for the New South.
    3. Slimane Smouh & Fatima Zohra Gargab & Badr Ouhammou & Abdel Ali Mana & Rachid Saadani & Abdelmajid Jamil, 2022. "A New Approach to Energy Transition in Morocco for Low Carbon and Sustainable Industry (Case of Textile Sector)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-26, May.
    4. Müller, Sandra & Vidican, Georgeta & Wendt, Susanne & Böhning, Matthias & Burger, Gina, 2013. "Achieving inclusive competitiveness in the emerging solar energy sector in Morocco," IDOS Studies, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), volume 79, number 79, July.
    5. repec:ocp:ppaper:pb20-11 is not listed on IDEAS
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