Doha – According to a report by La Razón, a Spanish newspaper, Morocco is decisively betting on nuclear energy.
The country’s ambassador and permanent representative in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, recently called for “granting more support to the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue strengthening the capacities of national experts in nuclear science, technology, and applications,” as reported by La Razón. This appeal seems to be related to Morocco’s project to build an experimental reactor.
According to La Razón, Morocco is moving closer to realizing its strategic goal of producing electricity from nuclear energy. This follows an agreement between Russian company Rosatom and the Moroccan government. Additionally, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, named Morocco among the countries expected to become “nuclear.”
The newspaper reports that the country aims to reduce its high energy bill and adapt to climate change, citing local digital media reports.
La Razón quoted Abdessamad Malaoui, a researcher specializing in technology and energy transformation, who stated that the consultation with the agency “highlights its support for years of the Kingdom’s efforts to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
He emphasized to the outlet that “Morocco has recently decided to establish a group of power plants to desalinate seawater to cover the huge shortage of this vital substance due to climatic conditions.”
Malaoui also stressed “the importance of using (specifically) nuclear energy in these plants because they require a significant amount of electrical energy.” He added that Morocco cannot meet the electricity supply of these plants “unless it uses sources other than the classic ones, whether they are regular fossil sources, which Morocco is trying to secure.”
Malaoui also recalled “international cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to establish a group of nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes in Morocco, especially in the aspect related to scientific research and clean electricity production.”
He also highlighted to La Razón that “Moroccan nuclear strategy for these purposes is advancing with great rationality, especially since the country remains committed to the commitments stipulated by international parties in climate matters.”
La Razón also quoted Mohammed Shimi, a researcher in climate and sustainable development, who stated; “Morocco’s desire to build an experimental nuclear reactor and open the door to the peaceful use of nuclear technology reinforces opportunities for many.”
He continued; “Moroccan specialists will acquire knowledge and experience in this field, whose excellence is attested ‘scientifically and cognitively in the field of energy transformation’; ‘this will allow Morocco to benefit from these local minds to create solid self-development’.”
Shimi added to the newspaper; “The peaceful uses of nuclear technology in several countries have revealed its effectiveness in areas of great importance, especially in the fields of energy, health, and water supply.”
He further stated that this “will allow Morocco to accelerate various projects related to water sovereignty and security,” while highlighting “the great importance that the Kingdom attaches to the fight against serious climatic changes that have caused structural drought.”
According to him, Morocco has emerged as a key player on the African continent due to its South-South relations, partnerships, and strategic location. The country has positioned itself as a mediator between the North and the South.
He also suggests that this presents an opportunity for Morocco to promote sustainable development among African nations. By serving as a starting point for the spread of peaceful nuclear technology, Morocco can help Africa invest in its local capacities, strengthen its autoimmunity and make the cooperation of its countries a basis for creating its sovereignty of local development and strengthening its economic and social bases.
As Morocco moves forward with its plans to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, La Razón emphasizes that the country aims to address its energy and water challenges while fostering international cooperation and sustainable development in the region.
Read also: Morocco’s Energy Minister: Nuclear Energy Is Catalyst to Sustainable Development
