Morocco Morocco

Morocco is still among the high-performing countries, ranking 9th in this year’s CCPI.

Morocco receives medium ratings in both Renewable Energy and Climate Policy, while obtaining a high rating in GHG Emissions and Energy Use.

The country targets a 45.5% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 compared with a ‘business-as-usual’ (BAU) scenario. The ranking as a high performer owes to its low GHG emissions, trend towards greater energy efficiency, and progress in renewable energy production.

Fossil Fuel Consumption is still high

Fossil fuels still account for the majority of Morocco’s energy consumption, and the country imports most of these fuels. The CCPI country experts criticise the government’s plans to explore domestic oil and gas reserves. Yet the experts also welcome the increasing share of renewable energy. They point out that prices for all forms of energy remain high and that solar energy is not subsidised in Morocco. Citizens producing solar energy are also not connected to the grid.

In Morocco, biomass production is mainly carried out in mountainous areas. Deforestation exposes soil to erosion, leading to flooding and to destruction of infrastructure, and ultimately hurts natural ecosystems and local communities.  Further, the agricultural sector as one of the largest sectors in Morocco, requires a just transition as for example the cultivation of water-intensive species, ground-water pumping, and the use of diesel pumps is not regulated, or at least regulation is not enforced. Our experts note that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests has incorporated water conservation and environmental protection into all its programmes in recent years. However, implementation and enforcement has been lacking.

Policies for fossil fuel phase-out are needed

The experts suggest several policy measures. Utility-scale as well as small-scale, people-centred solar and wind projects should be built while observing strict social and environmental safeguards, and solar energy should be subsidised. The focus should be on reducing fossil fuel use. Drip irrigation systems and solar pumps should be installed to reduce water wastage and fuel use. Also, more sustainable agriculture should be promoted, and natural ecosystems should be better preserved.

The experts view Morocco as an active and supportive actor in international climate politics. They ask for policies that enable reduced fossil fuels and for ecological protection.

Key Outcomes

  • Morocco is still among the high-performing countries
  • The country targets a 45.5% GHG emissions reduction by 2030
  • Key demands: expansion of renewable energies and reduction of fossil fuels

 

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

  • Dr. Mohammed Saddik
  • Naima Benazzi (High Atlas Foundation)
  • Rabiae Khamlichi (Région Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima)

Key Indicators

CCPI 2024: Target comparison