Morocco is on the verge of a major move to solve the energy crisis in the country. The long-term plan is to export it to Europe, considering the natural resources available to generate solar and wind power. With Western nations started actively addressing climate change issues via renewable sources, Morocco is highly interested in becoming a major participant.
Firstly, the Northern African country imports 90% of its energy, becoming costly due to the war in Ukraine. The 39 million population is at risk of power shortages, similar to the power rationing experienced on the opposite side of South Africa.
One of the ambassadors pushing the agenda is the founder of Gaia Energy, Moundir Zniber, who states, “I think Morocco represents the best opportunity to get the European continent away from the dependency it has today on Russian gas.” The country’s economy, especially the agricultural sector, which he says can be solved by investing more in natural energy sources.
Also, the country urgently needs a switch from coal, oil, and gas use for the project to succeed. The country’s clean energy sources are only a small percentage, with wind power covering 12.4% and solar energy around 4.4%.
Zniber points to the irony of the country not utilizing its solar and its potential. “Morocco has one of the best solar and wind resources in the world combined,” he says.
Europe is a great market for the country if the Moroccan government fully embraces the Gaia Energy initiative. It is a gradual process, considering other national challenges like the food and water crisis, which can produce 52% of the country’s power by 2030. Other sectors are bound to gain, with the country’s youth gaining employment, directly or indirectly, through their start-ups.
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