Morocco seeks energy security

16/07/2008

Morocco, a country where 96% of energy is imported, has announced a plan to reduce dependence on foreign supplies by encouraging increased efficiency and the use of sustainable alternative energy sources.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 16/07/08

[Sarah Touahri] Moroccan Energy Minister Amina Benkhadra announced a plan last week to reduce Morocco's dependence on foreign energy sources. The use of nuclear and renewable energies is an important component of the plan.

Energy security is all the buzz in Morocco, where experts and officials have begun to discuss the thorny issue on a regular basis. Minister of Energy and Mining Amina Benkhadra announced a new plan on Tuesday (July 8th) to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources by cutting waste, increasing efficiency and boosting the use of sustainable energy sources.

The Moroccan government says it has a plan to reduce imports of electricity, oil and gas. Last year almost all of its energy – 96% – came from abroad.

Energy Federation President Moulay Abdellah Alaoui has said that oil imports alone account for more than 30% of total imports into the country.

In a bid to reduce dependency on foreign energy, the government is taking the preliminary steps to create a $1 billion energy development fund from gifts from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates totalling $800m and a contribution of $200m from the Hassan II Foundation.

During a cabinet meeting last Tuesday Minister of Energy and Mining Amina Benkhadra said the new energy strategy aims to safeguard energy supplies by seeking new sources, achieving an optimal energy mix and developing sustainable regional and international integration.

Benkhadra said that in order to rein in demand, energy use for street lighting, buildings, industry and transport will be reviewed and adjusted to consume less energy.

To cut down petrol and diesel use, the government has outlined an action plan of encouraging citizens to improve public transport and replace older cars with newer, more efficient models.

In addition, beginning in January 2009, only two types of fuel will be sold in Morocco: 50ppm diesel and super unleaded petrol. The use of these cleaner fuels should cut atmospheric emissions by 760 tonnes of lead per year and 54,000 tonnes of sulphur per year.

Nuclear energy is a major component of the country's energy security strategy. In the long term, the 2020/2030 strategic programmes are based on the principle of retaining the option of nuclear electricity generation.

The use of renewable energies also figures prominently in the strategy. The productive sectors committee within the Chamber of Representatives has highlighted the importance of promoting solar and wind power and learning from the experience of European countries.

The government has set a target of increasing the use of renewable energies to 20% of the electricity balance and 10% of the national energy balance by 2012.