In Morocco, electricity consumption as of 2024 is largely dominated by fossil fuels, which make up nearly 69% of the total electricity generated, with over half of this coming from coal. Clean, low-carbon energy sources contribute to around 26% of the country's electricity. Wind energy is the standout performer among low-carbon options, providing more than 21%. Solar energy, while making progress, still accounts for a small share of approximately 4%, slightly above hydropower, which is near negligible. Meanwhile, gas contributes almost 10%, and net imports are responsible for about 6% of Morocco’s electricity consumption. This data highlights the significant room for improvement in transitioning towards greener energy sources in the country.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Morocco?
Electricity consumption per capita in Morocco is experiencing growth. In 2024, the average consumption reached 1219 kWh per person, a progression from the previous record in 2023 of 1175 kWh per person. This increase reflects a rise in the demand for electricity, indicating economic growth or advancements in energy access. Encouragingly, clean electricity generation per person has also seen a noticeable uptick, surging from 244 to 316 kWh per person, a positive shift by 72 kWh. This signifies that while total consumption is rising, Morocco is making considerable strides in expanding its low-carbon electricity production, a critical factor for sustainable development.
Suggestions
To accelerate the growth of low-carbon electricity, Morocco should consider expanding its wind energy capabilities, given its already substantial contribution. With consistent improvements, solar energy can also become a major source. Learning from regions leading in clean energy adoption can be beneficial. For instance, Denmark achieves 60% of its electricity from wind, demonstrating the potential for wind resource maximization. Countries like France, Slovakia, and New Hampshire lead in nuclear electricity generation, providing over half of their power from this source. Morocco could explore the development of modest nuclear energy, alongside further solar investments like those seen in Lebanon, Nevada, and California, where solar contributes over 30% of electricity.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Morocco, significant advancements have been made, especially in recent years. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw fluctuations in hydroelectric power generation, with both remarkable increases and sharp decreases. However, from the mid-2010s, there was a concerted effort to expand wind energy, showing steady growth with additional capacity coming online almost yearly, and a breakthrough seen in 2024 with a notable increase. Solar energy began gaining traction in the late 2010s, with a promising upward trend continuing into the 2020s. This historical push towards renewables marks Morocco’s ongoing commitment to diversify its electricity generation portfolio, though continued efforts are crucial for a more sustainable future.
