At the opening of the 16th Energy Conference in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, declared that the Kingdom is undergoing a profound and sustainable energy transition, initiated under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him.
Akhannouch emphasized Morocco’s proactive strategy to invest in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and water, recently expanding into green hydrogen. This transition has been supported by the establishment of robust institutions and improved governance within the energy sector.
He praised the key roles of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), alongside other institutions that have driven the sector’s progress. He also highlighted Morocco’s strategic openness to private investment, especially with international partners such as France, the conference’s guest of honor.
During his field visit to the Noor Solar Complex in Ouarzazate, Akhannouch acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders in making its four stations operational. He reaffirmed the country’s ambition to expand the use of renewable energies to transportation, housing, agriculture, and both rural and industrial zones.
He stressed the need to leverage innovative technologies, with green hydrogen at the forefront, as a strategic axis of Morocco’s 15+ year experience in renewables and 30 years of private sector engagement.
Akhannouch also underlined the strong link between energy and water security, particularly in light of the increasing water stress facing the country. He called for an integrated approach that combines innovation, scientific research, and economic intelligence.
Morocco, he said, has launched a major national seawater desalination program, powered by renewable energy, to reduce both costs and carbon emissions—exemplified by the Dakhla project.
In closing, Akhannouch reaffirmed that the national energy transition is grounded in a comprehensive royal vision, aimed at enhancing energy sovereignty, lowering emissions, and ensuring fair and sustainable development, while fostering legal and institutional reforms to attract more competitive global partnerships.
