Energy & Environment
From The Report: Morocco 2015
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As the only country in North Africa without commercially relevant oil or gas reserves, Morocco relies heavily on foreign energy imports to meet domestic demand. To counter this dependence, the government has embarked on a range of reforms to boost renewable energy sources. These efforts are concentrated around solar, wind and hydroelectricity, which together are expected to comprise 42% of the national energy mix by 2020. This new emphasis on renewables is also set to develop new industries and generate employment. At the same time, the government has sought to source hydrocarbons closer to home, attracting investment from small-scale oil and gas exploration companies.

This chapter contains interviews with Stephen Jenkins, Chairman, Circle Oil; and Nasim Khan, Vice-President for Africa, First Solar.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Installed capacity rising to meet Morocco’s growing energy demand
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With the implementation of renewable energy plans in full swing and considerable investment going into traditional forms of production, Morocco is making serious changes to its energy mix that could provide a window of opportunity. The need for such moves is clear: excessively dependent on energy imports to support growing consumption, the country has paired capital spending with the rollout of regulations to increase efficient energy use and attract new private producers. The state has also continued…

Interview

Stephen Jenkins, Chairman, Circle Oil: Interview
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Interview:Stephen Jenkins How has the drop in oil prices affected exploration? STEPHEN JENKINS: The drop in oil prices has had a significant impact on global oil and gas exploration, and Circle Oil is not immune to that. Like all exploration and production companies, we had to review our cost base and our exploration, appraisal and development budgets in light of a much lower and more volatile oil price. All aspects of our drilling and production programmes are being examined to determine…

Analysis

Morocco sets bold targets to boost renewable energy generation capacity
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To reduce dependency on international markets as well as emissions from energy production, Morocco has established a plan to make renewable sources a central part of its energy mix. By 2020, just under half of the country’s power is expected to be generated from renewable energy. There is a strong focus on developing wind and solar, which are predicted to have an installed capacity of 2000 MW each within five years. Morocco’s growing infrastructure for hydroelectric generation will also contribute. Strategy Many…

Analysis

Morocco sets regulations for energy efficiency
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Alongside plans to diversify sources, Morocco’s energy strategy has also put a strong emphasis on improving efficient usage. A big step in this regard was the creation of the National Agency for the Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (Agence Nationale pour le Développement des Energies Renouvelables et de l’Efficacité Energétique, ADEREE), which is tasked with reaching renewable energy goals and fostering efficient consumption. Part of this has focused on the development…

Interview

Nasim Khan, Vice-President for Africa, First Solar: Interview
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Interview: Nasim Khan How will Morocco finance its energy projects? NASIM KHAN: Speaking in general terms, Morocco already has a proven track record of leveraging international and local financial resources. In fact, the kingdom is North Africa’s pioneer in terms of establishing a sustainable independent power production programme. I expect that the combination of its strong track record and socio-economic stability will make Morocco an attractive proposition for lenders looking to participate…

Analysis

Morocco develops wind and solar power for clean energy
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On a map of the world showing so-called insolation, or the amount of “solar irradiance” hitting the surface per sq metre, there are three notable patches of dark red. One lies in western Australia; another in the southwest US; and the third stretches from Algeria across North Africa all the way to Saudi Arabia. It is these areas that have the greatest potential for solar energy. These days, the swathe that covers the MENA region is of particular interest. It runs across countries that are fast-growing…