Summary
Morocco is paving the way in the Middle East and North Africa with its national adoption of a renewable energy plan. Utilizing government sponsored programs to link private renewable suppliers with the larger power grid, solar and wind power have transformed from cottage industries to the heart of the country’s long-term economic plan. While Morocco has looked both outwardly and domestically to develop its energy infrastructure, the next challenge will be to fully integrate renewables in a way that promotes local involvement and sustainability. If proven successful, such a program could encourage a wider acceptance and use of renewable energy throughout the region.
Key Points
- Morocco’s renewable energy goals are the most ambitious in the region, and could potentially provide infrastructural examples for other Middle Eastern states
- Industrialization and a lack of readily available hydrocarbons has created the need for reliable alternative energy sources in Morocco, such as solar power and wind power
- Government policies allow for private entities to integrate solar and wind power into existing energy grids, and remain competitive with larger firms
- The renewable energy sector in Morocco is developing in a way that emphasizes local development, information sharing, and direct involvement
- Morocco has accomplished overhauling older institutional energy frameworks, and now faces the challenge of equipping local communities to utilize renewable energy sources to grow the industry throughout the country
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