Rabat – At the ongoing ONS Energy Forum in Stavanger, Norway, Morocco is drawing attention with its leading-edge approach to energy transition.
Morocco ranks 65th globally on the World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index (ETI), positioning it as the leader in clean energy sources in the Maghreb region. With the North African country’s key innovations in renewable energy, they were a vital contributor to the forum.
The event, which kicked off on August 26 and will run through 29, is being organized by the ONS Foundation, which is a leading global non-profit organization that promotes dialogue and collaboration on geopolitics, energy, and climate issues.
Inaugurated by Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, the ONS Energy Forum has emerged as a key global summit for discussing energy advancements.
Morocco’s role in renewable energy and global supply chains
Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali was joined by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Crown Prince Haakon in showcasing Morocco’s advancements in renewable energy at the forum.
During the opening panel on “A More Resilient Future,” Benali emphasized Morocco’s strategic focus on energy security, the scale and speed of its projects, and the importance of international partnerships for successful energy transitions.
She noted that Morocco’s potential and experience are establishing it as a significant contributor to global energy transition efforts. Furthermore, the North African country’s approach to managing mineral resources has established it as a key corridor in global supply chains.
Benali also spotlighted the importance of recycling critical minerals to ensure their long-term sustainability and advocated for innovation, certification, and incentives to tackle challenges related to these essential resources.
Alongside participating in the forum, Benali conducted multiple bilateral meetings with notable figures such as Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland and Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
She also engaged with stakeholders from Norwegian and international energy sectors, leveraging these discussions to highlight opportunities for collaboration between Morocco and Norway in advancing energy transition initiative.
Rethinking energy for a sustainable future
In the opening plenary session of this edition’s ONS forum, the focus was on rethinking and redefining strategies to achieve a more sustainable energy future, emphasizing that this transformation is essential for both the planet’s survival and humanity’s well-being.
The discussions extended to how the global community can tackle challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and evolving landscapes.
One of the key topics was ensuring universal energy access while striving for a net-zero future, with an emphasis on developing effective business and organizational strategies and fostering a collaborative approach for a fair and orderly energy transition.
The session also addressed whether existing frameworks are adequate for the industry’s efforts to meet net-zero targets, advance low-carbon technologies, and scale up renewable energy as well as whether the pace of the transformation is sufficient.
Confirmed speakers include Remi Eriksen, Chair of the ONS Conference Committee and CEO of DNV; Crown Prince Haakon of Norway; and Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, for one session.
Meanwhile, Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies; Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency; and Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union, will participate in discussions on the global energy outlook.
ONS forum legacy
The ONS Energy Forum, organized by the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority, is a premier event for tackling energy sector issues such as decarbonization, technological advancements, and geopolitical challenges.
It provides a platform for top government officials, leading thinkers, and senior executives to explore these topics under the Chatham House Rule. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the ONS conference, which will feature unparalleled conferences and events.
