Morocco Becomes Net Exporter of Electricity to Spain

0
521

RABAT, AUG 09 (DNA) – According to the figures of the semi-public operator Red Eléctrica de España, the Kingdom has become a net exporter of electricity to Spain.Morocco exported 76% of Morocco-Spain border exchanges of electricity and imported only 24%.Spain’s electricity import from Morocco in 2018 reached almost 20,588 GWh (Gigawatts/hour), while its exports to Morocco were only 10,442 GWh.According to the Foreign Exchange Office 2018 annual report, electricity exports generated MAD 158 million in 2018, compared to nearly zero in 2017.

In March 2009, Morocco adopted a 2010-2030 strategy for renewable energies. The strategy aimed to solve the sector’s challenges.

According to a publication by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment, Morocco was facing growing demand on energy (doubling at the end of 2020 and quadrupling at the end of 2030) and a high dependency on foreign countries (import of more than 95% of the country’s energy needs).

The entry into service of several renewable power generation projects (solar and wind) such as the Safi Thermal Power Plant and solar energy stations like Noor Midelt and Noor Ouarzazate increased Morocco’s capacity to nearly 3,500 MW.

Morocco aims to produce 42% (6,000 MW) of the electricity mix from renewable sources by 2020 and to reach at least 52% by 2030.

The Safi thermal power plant, functioning since 2018 with a capacity of 1,386 MW, can satisfy up to 25% of the national electricity demand.