WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

Renewable energy policy
Technical and financial support provided by the AfDB
should ensure that the goal of increasing installed
renewable energy capacity to 42 per cent by 2020
(accounting for approximately 6,000 MW of additional
renewable energy) is realized. 20 Out of the 42 per cent
solar energy, wind energy and hydropower will each
represent 14 per cent. 21
Morocco has among the highest levels of sun radiation
in the world. 22 In recognition of Morroco’s emergence
as an early leader in developing low carbon, sustainable
energy on a large scale, AfDB approved loans in May
2012 for the first phase of the Concentrated Solar Power
(CSP) plant at Ouarzazate which is proposed to generate
120 MW to 160 MW of electricity in its first phase and
500 MW at full capacity, making it the largest CSP plant
17 23
in the world.
In June 2012, AfDB approved its largest project to date
for 2012 with a loan of €359 million and a US$125
million funding from the Clean Technology Fund for
Morocco’s Integrated Wind/Hydro and Rural
Electrification Programme. 18 Implemented by ONE,
these initiatives aim to increase national wind power
capacity by 1,070 MW and expand rural electrification
to 79,436 households in 24 of Morocco’s most isolated
and vulnerable districts. 17
Decentralized renewables have not yet been deployed
in Morocco due to pending adoption of the necessary
legal and regulatory framework and further
development of the low- and medium-voltage
infrastructure. The introduction of smart metering as
part of ONE’s initiative (as of September 2012, it was
still awaiting approval from the Board) will pave the way
for the deployment of decentralized renewable
generation. 24
Barriers to small hydropower development
The strong financial support provided by AfDB amongst
others is a positive sign and reward for Morocco’s
proactive approach. However, decreasing rainfall as well
as water quality and availability remain the key issues,
hindering small hydropower development in Morocco.
References
1. Central Intelligence Agency (2010). The World
Factbook. Available from
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2. Taleb, H. (2006). Water Management in Morocco.
Springe.r
3. Paton, C. (2012). Greater Private Sector Participation
and Renewable Energy Development to Back Moroccan
Electricity Industry Growth. Frost & Sullivan, 15 April.
Available from www.frost.com/sublib/display-marketinsight-top.do?id=258181720.
Accessed December 2012.
4. Euro-Mediterranean. Energy Market Integration
Project (2010). MEDRING Update Volume IV: Visualizing
the Mediterranean Sea Basin for Electric Power
Corridors. Available from
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010_04_medring_vol4.pdf. Accessed December 2012.
5. European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(2012). Paving the Way for the Mediterranean Solar
Plan-Power Systems at 2020: State of play of the
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Accessed
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North Africa Office (2012). The Renewable Energy Sector
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Accessed September 2012.
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www.mem.gov.ma/ChiffresCles/Energie/chiffres%20cles
%20PROVISOIRES%202010.pdf
11. Office National de l’Electricité (2010). Programme
d’Electrification Rurale Global. Available from
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t1=1
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Climate change, vulnerability and adaptation in North
Africa with focus on Morocco. Agriculture, Ecosystems
and Environment. Volume 156, pp. 12–26.
13. Escribano-Frances, G. (2010). Marruecos y las
Energías Renovables. Spanish-Moroccan Socioeconomic
Development Foundation.
14. World Bank (2010). Morocco. Available from
http://data.worldbank.org/country/morocco.
15. Abdelfadel, A. and Driouech, F. (2008). Climate
Change and Its Impact on Water Resources in the
Maghreb Region. Arab Water Council.
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