Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, highlighted the significant progress Morocco is making in the field of renewable energy and sustainable development at COP28.
The conference, she stated, presents an opportunity for Morocco to showcase its initiatives in energy transition and to bolster its renewable energy projects both regionally and globally.
Speaking at COP28, Benali revealed that Morocco’s renewable energy mix has reached 40%, supported by high-quality projects within its investment program. This program is expected to increase renewable energy production to about 52% by 2030.
She expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the early days of the conference and praised the United Arab Emirates for their efforts, including the activation of the Loss and Damage Fund, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). This move is seen as a positive indicator of international cooperation and trust-building in multilateral engagements.
Benali mentioned new initiatives Morocco is presenting at COP28, including projects in renewable energy, seawater desalination using renewable energy, carbon-free industrial projects, and initiatives related to green hydrogen and its derivatives, which are priorities for the Kingdom of Morocco.
With over 15 years of experience in developing renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and regional integration, Morocco is firmly committed to these three pillars in its energy strategy.
Benali highlighted the “Noor Ouarzazate” project, the world’s largest solar power complex with a total production capacity of 580 megawatts. She emphasized the strength of the partnership with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s future energy company, in enhancing the effectiveness of these strategic pillars.
These projects and initiatives, as Benali explained, are part of the broader context of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund held in Marrakech last October. They are expected to unify international efforts and support economic and social development.
In terms of regional efforts, Morocco is committed to enhancing renewable energy development strategies and strengthening connections between Morocco and countries in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions as part of its regional integration initiatives.
