Innovative Urban Energy Solutions Discussed in Marrakech
The SRM Marrakech-Safi utility recently hosted the WAEU’26 Workshop focused on Urban Energy Architecture, which took place on May 23 at the Conference Center of Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech. This significant event was co-organized with the École Nationale des Sciences Appliquées (ENSA) Marrakech and the Laboratory of Systems Engineering and Applications (LISA). It brought together a diverse group of participants, including researchers, industry leaders, startups, and public officials who engaged in discussions surrounding cutting-edge topics such as smart grids, microgrids, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and integrated urban infrastructure.
Under a 30-year management contract, the regional utility operates with a capital investment of MAD 100 million (approximately $10 million), serving a population of 4.9 million across the Marrakech-Safi region. This coverage includes the prefecture of Marrakech and seven provinces: Safi, Essaouira, Chichaoua, Al Haouz, Youssoufia, Rehamna, and El Kelâa des Sraghna. The utility's ownership structure comprises GCT Marrakech-Safi holding 40%, with ONEE and the state each owning 25%, while the region contributes 10%.
Electricity sales are a substantial component of the company's financial performance, with energy sales totaling MAD 4.31 billion (approximately $431 million) in 2025. This figure represents 65.46% of the total revenue, which amounted to MAD 6.59 billion ($659 million). The utility distributed 4.089 TWh of electricity at an average price of MAD 1.05 per kWh, yielding a gross electricity margin of MAD 561.53 million ($56.15 million), translating to a profit margin rate of 13.02%. Notably, electricity accounts for 84% of the gross margin from sales, while drinking water contributes the remaining 16%.
Advancements in Smart Grid and Regulatory Framework
The operational network of the utility spans an impressive 65,147 km of electrical lines and serves 1,518,345 clients with an installed capacity of 2,210 MVA, supported by 34 source substations. In 2025, the company handled 17,953 service complaints and executed 13,377 incident-response interventions. Significant maintenance efforts were undertaken, including the renewal of 71 HTA/BT substations and the maintenance of 787 others, which represents 26.2% of the Marrakech fleet. Additionally, the company completed 204 preventive maintenance actions and documented 32 control-command anomalies at source substations.
Investment in electricity infrastructure reached MAD 105.93 million ($10.59 million), constituting just 3% of the overall program budget of MAD 3.45 billion ($345 million). Distribution improvements accounted for MAD 88.27 million ($8.83 million), while reinforcement and extension projects received MAD 14.62 million ($1.46 million).
The regulatory landscape significantly influences grid planning in Morocco. Starting with Law 13-09 in 2010, which opened the door for private renewable energy production, the subsequent establishment of ANRE through Laws 48-15 and 58-15, and the introduction of hosting capacity as a critical planning variable in Law 40-19, have all played pivotal roles in shaping the current framework. Moreover, Law 82-21, which established prosumer rights, mandates that distribution networks operate as active platforms.
Looking ahead, ANRE has set ambitious targets for medium-voltage TURD rates and national hosting capacity, aiming for 10,429 MW by 2030, including 1,324 MW allocated for solar distribution. The grid access regulations are structured into three auto-production regimes, catering to installations of varying capacities, ensuring a streamlined process for both small and large-scale projects.
On the technological front, the current state of smart grid readiness shows promising advancements, with SCADA, GIS, and sensor networks functioning effectively. However, there is still a need for further integration of OMS and upgrades to MDMS, alongside the rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The proposed architecture for AMI includes a combination of RF mesh networks, LTE cellular relays, and a comprehensive Head End System, aiming to convert 1.5 million electricity clients into a distributed measurement network.
During the workshop, speakers emphasized the necessity for upgrading existing systems with advanced capabilities, including fault management and predictive maintenance through AI, as well as investing in Volt/Var control systems to manage the increasing demands from solar production and electric vehicle charging loads. The roadmap detailing these implementations identifies six key priorities: dynamic medium-voltage mapping, establishing a unified network data repository, automating critical feeders, condition-based maintenance, local renewable projects, and enhancing OT cybersecurity.
In conjunction with the workshop, a student competition titled “Smart Cities: Energy, Safety & Mobility” was held, alongside scientific panels that delved into intelligent networks, sustainable transport, AI applications in energy, and territorial data governance, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
