Brussels, 28/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Morocco has announced a dual objective to: - economise 12% of its energy consumption by 2020 based on the development of renewable energies including solar energy and, also, contribute to the emergence of an electricity market between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Morocco presents itself as the future “crossroads” for energy in the Mediterranean region.
Abdelkader Amara, who is the minister responsible for the sector in question, said when opening a conference-debate in Casablanca that Morocco, which expects its demand for electricity to grow four-fold by 2030, must promote an energy efficiency strategy. Its objective is to save 12% of consumption by 2020 with a 15% reduction by 2030.
The aim is also to meet 42% of Morocco's energy needs with renewable energies in order to reduce hydrocarbon imports. It expects gradual transition no doubt because the economic stakes are not yet clearly drawn up.
According to media reports, the minister said that his country is mainly counting on “mega-projects” such as the Ouarzazate solar power plant of 500 MW capacity, which is partially funded by the EU (European Investment Bank loan). To this must be added wind power in the south-west region (Tarfaya), which he said was the largest in Africa. (FB/transl.jl)