Context
Morocco has set itself ambitious targets in the field of renewable energy. It aims to have its share of renewable energy in electricity generation increased to 52 per cent of installed capacity by 2030. This will enable Morocco to considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and thus meet its nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
To this end, major programmes have been launched to develop solar, wind and hydroelectric power, mobilising both public electricity utilities and the private sector. With a view to creating an enabling environment for this renewable energy drive, legal and institutional measures have been adopted, including laws on feeding electricity from renewable energy sources into medium and low-voltage networks and the creation of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE).
To implement these programmes and measures, Morocco needs to leverage capacity building and technical support to equip key actors in the sector with the expertise and tools needed to address the challenges associated with renewable energy and harness the opportunities it presents in the country.
Under the PAPEM II project, GIZ will continue to support Morocco in its efforts to achieve its energy policy goals and progressively liberalise the electricity market.
Objective
The capacities and conditions required for the planning, regulation and use of renewable energy in accordance with Morocco’s energy and climate policy are improved.
Approach
At the macro level, the PAPEM II project cooperates with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development (MEMDD), ANRE and other key actors concerned with planning and regulation.
It provides technical advice and carries out a range of capacity development activities (awareness-raising, continuing training, discussion workshops, benchmarking, etc.).
At the meso level, the project works with private, municipal and state-owned energy providers, giving them technical advice on grid feed-in for electricity from renewable energy sources and on the implementation of work to build the capacities required.
To achieve its objective, PAPEM II focuses on the following four areas of action:
Regulation of the energy market
Support the establishment of the new authority ANRE. Raise the awareness of key Moroccan actors with regard to regulation, strengthen their capacities in this area and support the energy market regulatory authority in its initial phase.
Energy planning
Support MEMDD in the development of a sector-specific IT system and an integrated energy modelling system for energy supply and demand forecasting and planning.
Grid feed-in for electricity from renewable sources
Support the MEMDD in formulating draft amendments to the Renewable Energy Act (13-09) and the Self-Generation Act. The project also launched an innovation program with the national electricity company ONEE exploring new digital solutions and cooperation with start-up companies for challenges that come with the integration of renewable energy into the network.
Introduction of electromobility
Set up a platform for exchanges on sustainable mobility to develop and support the practical implementation of the Sustainable Mobility Roadmap adopted by Morocco.
Results
Activities carried out under the project with 240 representatives of public and private energy sector actors have increased these representatives’ awareness and understanding of the challenges involved in opening up the energy market.
The project has supported the MEMDD in setting up the Moroccan Energy Observatory and in developing its web portal that provides access to reliable, up-to-date information on developments in the energy sector.
In addition, the project organised and facilitated a number of workshops to discuss changes that could be made to Act 13-09, resulting in the formulation of concrete recommendations on the draft amendment.
The project has enabled the Ministry team responsible for energy forecasting to develop an integrated energy modelling system and acquire the expertise required to create long-term energy scenarios in-house.
The project has also formed and trained a group of researchers to work on energy modelling in partnership with the university network set up to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency (REUNET). The group serves as a university platform able to provide training for PhD students in energy modelling.
In the area of electromobility, the project supported the Moroccan Department of Transport in drawing up the Sustainable Mobility Roadmap which identifies the country’s priorities and opportunities for making the transport sector a key contributor to sustainable development.