Morocco’s Court of Auditors has raised concerns about the country’s slow progress in developing its natural gas sector, warning that incomplete initiatives undermine efforts to transition away from coal in electricity production.
In its 2023-2024 annual report, the Court noted that while several gas-related projects have been introduced since 2011, they have yet to be formalized into a comprehensive strategy. It urged the government to draft and implement a national energy efficiency plan to bolster the country’s energy transition efforts.
The report recommended reforms in the electricity sector, including separating production, transmission, and distribution activities and establishing a dedicated body to manage the electricity transmission grid. It also stressed the need to transfer renewable energy projects from the state-run National Office of Electricity and Potable Water to the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, a process that has faced significant delays.
The Court emphasized improving governance in the energy sector, noting limited progress in achieving strategic goals. It revealed that the Board of Directors for the National Office of Electricity and Potable Water held only five meetings between 2010 and 2023 out of the 28 required by law.
Additionally, the report highlighted Morocco’s slow progress in diversifying energy sources and increasing renewable capacity. By the end of 2023, renewables accounted for 40% of installed capacity—short of the 42% target set for 2020. The delay was attributed to stalled projects and a lack of permits for private sector initiatives.
The Court also criticized fuel storage infrastructure, stating that reserves remain well below the 60-day supply target established in the country’s 2009 energy strategy. For example, reserves in 2023 averaged just 32 days for diesel, 37 days for gasoline, and 31 days for butane.
The report called for a transparent and investor-friendly natural gas market and urged the government to address governance issues, improve strategic energy planning, and expedite delayed projects to ensure energy security.
Morocco has faced challenges in balancing its energy transition with infrastructure constraints and fluctuating international market conditions, posing obstacles to meeting its long-term sustainability goals.
The post Morocco lags on natural gas strategy amid push to reduce coal dependency appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.
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