Rabat – Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, delivered an address on Friday, calling for the recognition of the green partnership between Morocco and the European Union (EU) as a framework for innovative, promising, and dynamic cooperation.
Her comments came during a seminar held in Brussels under the theme “Common Green Horizon… Harnessing the full potential of the Morocco-EU partnership.”
She underscored the significance of the Morocco-EU alliance, citing the common challenges and strategic interests shared by both parties, notably the imperative of energy transition and sustainable development.
Morocco’s geographical proximity and strong connectivity to Europe, alongside its commitment to the ideals of sustainability, make it one of the EU’s most dynamic partners. Minister Benali stated.
“While the EU was created on the basis of the integration of the coal and steel industries in 1950, we are committed to another Schuman plan that will integrate energy and carbon markets.
”The Minister elucidated that the full potential of the green partnership involves bolstering electricity and gas ties between the two parties.
This would encompass the execution of projects dedicated to trading green electrons and the expansion of green hydrogen, green molecules, and other prospective markets.
She particularly highlighted the strategic importance of the Morocco-Spain-Morocco and Portugal interconnection projects, as well as the development of flexible and diversified gas infrastructure, including the integration of the LNG market with the low-cost gas pipeline.
Addressing the carbon market, Minister Benali advocated for the creation of regional carbon market groups, each empowered to determine the type of carbon market aligning with its sovereignty and strategic needs, along with the trade rules it deems appropriate.
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The country’s ambitious energy transition goals include doubling investments approximately 4 to 5 times, equivalent to an annual commitment of about $1.5 billion until 2030, to establish an additional capacity of 11 gigawatts.
Minister Benali further emphasized the imperative for accelerated and intensified projects, encompassing various bankable endeavors such as the decarbonization program, significant conventional solar projects, and local microgrid projects.
She also highlighted legislative and regulatory reforms in Morocco, notably the liberalization of energy self-consumption and the introduction of green certificates – pioneering measures in the region.
The seminar, organized by the European Institute for the Mediterranean, the Delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco to the European Union, NATO, and the Centre for European Political Studies, served as a platform for in-depth discussions and exchange of ideas regarding the future and challenges of the Morocco-EU Green Partnership.
