Morocco’s commitment to achieving a zero-emission economy has been recognized by the Climate Performance Index (CICC), which ranks the country among the top 10 globally in climate performance.
Over the past decade, significant investments by the Moroccan government and the Royal Court have driven the country’s ambitious environmental goals, leading to this prestigious recognition.
Morocco’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate the production of renewable energy have earned it the ninth-best ranking globally, according to a report by Germanwatch, in collaboration with the Climate Action Network and the NewClimate Institute.
One of the key factors contributing to Morocco’s high ranking is its substantial increase in the use of renewable energy for domestic consumption.
Since King Mohammed VI initiated the national strategy to reduce carbon emissions, Morocco has drastically reduced its reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing from 89% to 55%.
Concurrently, the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix has surged from 11% to 45%, making Morocco one of the world leaders in renewable energy usage, and the highest on the African continent.
Morocco’s renewable energy portfolio, which includes solar, wind, and hydropower, has reached new heights with the introduction of green hydrogen as an additional source of clean energy.
However, despite these significant advancements, the country still heavily relies on fossil fuels for a substantial portion of its energy consumption. To maintain its progress, experts recommend further reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the development of solar and wind energy projects.
Moreover, experts emphasize the need for Morocco to strengthen its policies to support solar energy, improve drip irrigation systems, utilize solar pumps to minimize water wastage and fuel use, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Given that agriculture is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy, these measures are crucial in mitigating the potential impacts of climate change on the sector.
The study specifically highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, such as using drought-resistant crops and reducing reliance on diesel pumps, to address environmental concerns and meet international obligations.
Morocco’s mountainous regions face significant environmental challenges, particularly with biomass production. Deforestation in these areas leads to soil erosion, flooding, and the destruction of infrastructure, severely impacting natural ecosystems and local communities.
However, Morocco is addressing these challenges through continuous investment in research and development, as well as the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
On the international stage, Morocco is committed to meeting its ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5% by 2030. The country’s proactive approach and consistent investment in green technologies have set it on a clear path toward achieving this goal.
Artificial Intelligence: A Catalyst for Morocco’s Energy Transition
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly powerful tool in Morocco’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. AI technologies analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make decisions that can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy initiatives.
By continuously learning from data, AI helps optimize tasks ranging from image recognition to trend forecasting, making it an invaluable asset in the energy sector.
In Morocco, where 65% of the working-age population is familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT, and 40% use them daily, the integration of AI into society and business operations is relatively straightforward.
Countries with younger, digitally-savvy populations, like Morocco, are well-positioned to harness the benefits of AI, especially in sectors like energy.
AI can drive Morocco’s energy transition by optimizing renewable energy production, predicting energy output from solar and wind farms, and dynamically adjusting operations to improve efficiency.
Additionally, AI is essential for managing smart grids, balancing supply and demand, and ensuring that renewable energy is seamlessly integrated into the grid without compromising stability.
It can also analyze data to predict energy infrastructure problems or maintenance needs, thereby reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment.
Moreover, AI can help optimize hydrogen production and storage by modeling complex processes, which is crucial for the development of new technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen.
Since 2022, the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Sustainable Development has been heavily investing in these areas, recognizing their importance in Morocco’s renewable energy strategy.
AI also plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency across various sectors, from industry to households.
By monitoring and analyzing consumption patterns, AI provides personalized recommendations for businesses and households to reduce energy use, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.
While AI can perform complex tasks around the clock, it cannot replace human intuition and empathy, which are essential in leadership roles.
However, AI tools are valuable allies for decision-makers, enabling them to make informed choices and increase efficiency.
As Morocco continues to play a leading role in the global fight against climate change, the development and application of AI technologies can significantly accelerate its energy transition.
By improving efficiency, reducing costs, and better integrating renewable energy into the national grid, AI will help Morocco achieve its ambitious zero-emission targets by 2030, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.
