Morocco's Remarkable Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity
Over the past decade, Morocco has made significant strides in enhancing its renewable energy capacity, more than doubling its output from 2,417 megawatts (MW) in 2016 to a projected 4,851 MW by the end of 2025. This impressive growth trajectory was affirmed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in March 2026, highlighting Morocco's commitment to an accelerated energy transition despite its ongoing dependence on fossil fuel imports. The expansion of wind energy has been a primary driver, with capacity increasing from 902 MW to an impressive 2,452 MW over the ten-year span. Solar energy has also seen notable growth, rising from 202 MW to 1,086 MW; however, it still lags behind wind power in terms of total capacity. Meanwhile, hydropower has maintained a stable output of 1,306 MW during this period.
Morocco's Role in Africa's Renewable Energy Landscape
This surge in renewable energy capacity places Morocco in a pivotal position within the African energy landscape, which collectively reached a total renewable capacity of 82,371 MW by 2025, accounting for approximately 1.6% of the global total. Notably, Morocco contributes nearly 5.9% of this continental capacity. The continent experienced an impressive increase of 11.3 gigawatts (GW) in renewable energy during the year, representing a robust growth rate of 15.9%. However, this rapid transition also brings to light the challenges Morocco faces regarding energy sovereignty, as the country continues to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels. According to Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali, energy dependency stood at 87.5% in 2024, creating vulnerabilities that could threaten Morocco’s industrial sovereignty. In an interview with local media, she emphasized the importance of expanding solar and wind capacity to help mitigate the country’s energy costs and minimize its exposure to fluctuating international prices.
As reported by ecofinagency.com.
