Morocco's energy future draws international investment and debate

Morocco is expanding renewable projects to cut heavy fossil‑fuel imports and has set a goal to triple renewable electricity capacity to about 15 GW by 2030; the article reports investor interest alongside concerns about local jobs, water use and projects in disputed southern territories.

Morocco is rapidly expanding renewable energy as solar, wind and related projects attract foreign and domestic investors. The country imports about 90% of its energy and has set targets to triple renewable electricity capacity to roughly 15 gigawatts by 2030 and to phase out coal-fired generation by 2040. Reported projects include solar farms powering industry and desalination, proposals for large green hydrogen and ammonia plants, and proposed electricity exports via undersea cables. The article highlights debates over who benefits, the role of local communities, and the location of some projects in the disputed southern provinces. Key developments: - Morocco currently imports about 90% of its total energy and produced around a quarter of its electricity from renewable sources, according to the article. - The government has increased its renewable electricity target to about 15 GW by 2030 and set a goal to phase out coal by 2040. - The article mentions specific projects and companies, including OCP’s solar farm tied to mines and desalination, ACCIONA and ACWA Power involvement, and proposals such as Xlinks for undersea power links to Europe. - Reported concerns include the long‑term number of local jobs created, water allocation for desalination versus local needs, profit flows to foreign investors, and projects sited in Western Sahara. Summary: Expansion of renewables is presented as a way to reduce import dependence and to support new industrial uses of low‑cost clean power, while also raising questions about water, employment and benefit‑sharing. Regulatory reforms are described as being enacted to make investments bankable, and projects are at varying stages from construction to planning. Undetermined at this time.