Morocco, Bahrain poised to upgrade cooperation in renewable energy sector

Morocco and Bahrain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the sector of renewable energy, through exchange of expertise, technology transfer, capacity building and the consolidation of public and private investment in the sector.

Under the deal that will support the implementation of several initiatives related to renewable energy, the two sides will explore ways of bolstering their cooperation in expanding the use of renewable resources.

The agreement thus seeks to encourage investment and exchange of expertise, especially in relation to solar energy projects, such as integration of solar energy techniques in buildings, the development of storage technology and automation, as well as skills training programs and workshops.

The two countries are also committed to develop partnership between governmental and academic institutions and the private sector.

The MoU was signed, via videoconference, by the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and the Bahraini Minister of Electricity and Water, Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak.

Speaking on the occasion, both officials expressed the wish to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange of expertise and global practices, in order to achieve the common goals and pursue the path of development, for a better and sustainable world.

“This MoU is a model of cooperation through which we aspire to achieve a sustainable, comprehensive and flexible energy transition in both countries, through the exchange of expertise and best practices, as well as technology transfer and capacity building,” the Moroccan official pointed out.

She surveyed the main outlines of the national energy strategy at the short, medium and long terms, saying this strategy seeks to make the energy transition a driver of economic and social development in Morocco, and to ensure supply security, availability of energy, widespread access to energy, control of demand and preservation of the environment.

It also targets the diversification of the energy mix, the improvement and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, in addition to ensuring flexibility in the power system, consolidating the decentralized production of electricity, developing a carbon-neutral industry and exploring new sources of energy, innovative methods of energy storage, as well as strengthening the regional inclusion.

She recalled that Morocco has set out ambitious targets, including the consolidation of the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to more than 52% by 2030 and strengthening of energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2030.

Morocco has already begun to benefit from this strategy, as more than 50 projects have been developed with a capacity of 4 Gigawatt, while 60 other projects are underway.

Renewable energy projects are designed to achieve integrated economic development, which can directly impact employment, education, health, agriculture and infrastructure development, and consequently contribute to improving the living conditions of citizens, she stated further.