Electricity in Morocco in 2021
In 2021, electricity consumption in Morocco stood at 130.15 watts/person, significantly lower than the global average of 412 watts/person. The lion's share of this consumption, nearly 80%, came from the burning of fossil fuels primarily coal and gas, with 101.97 watts/person and 73.52 watts/person respectively, raising concerns about environmental pollution and its concomitant health risks. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, although ecologically more friendly, contributed just over 25 watts/person, with wind and solar providing the bulk at 15.73 and 5.6 watts/person respectively. Other contributors to the low-carbon mix included hydropower with 3.73 watts/person and biofuels which were close to negligible at 0.12 watts/person. It's worth noting that these low levels of electricity generation could limit socio-economic development, impede industrialization, and exacerbate rural-urban disparities. An interesting facet is that about 2.3% of Morocco's electricity consumption is met through net imports.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Morocco could consider expanding its wind power generation capacities given that it already contributes the largest share to its low-carbon mix. Drawing from the successes of countries like Denmark and Sweden that generate a whopping 369 and 363 watts/person from wind energy respectively, may provide valuable insights. Additionally, countries such as Australia and Spain with 147 and 149 watts/person from solar and wind energy respectively could be exemplary, considering Morocco's abundant solar and wind resources. Given that Morocco's Mediterranean neighbors like Spain and France successfully tap into nuclear power for 140 and 526 watts/person respectively, pursuing nuclear energy could be a viable and sustainable option for Morocco, despite no prior history in the area. Furthermore, this could also offset some of the inherent limitations of wind and solar energy, like intermittent supply and dependence on meteorological conditions.
History
Looking back, the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Morocco has been dominated by hydro power generation with a number of fluctuations over the years. From the early-to-mid 1990s, there was a drop in hydroelectric generation, with a brief revival mid-decade, after which it seesawed through the 2000s. The decade saw a net increase, marked by peaks in 2009 and 2010 and a drop in 2011. Wind energy entered the mix in 2013 and has been on a steady rise since, overtaking hydro in 2015 to become the main source of low-carbon electricity. Meanwhile, solar energy finally made its appearance in 2018, mirroring a global trend towards this abundant and sustainable energy source. Consequently, despite a subdued start and some variabilities, the shift towards low-carbon electricity generation in Morocco firmly marks a renewable commitment towards a sustainable future.