Doha – Morocco plans to significantly increase its green electricity production in its southern provinces as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The move comes amid growing international support for Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara dispute.
According to a Bloomberg report, the Moroccan government aims to double the current green power capacity in the area from 1.3 gigawatts to 2.7 gigawatts by 2027.
This ambitious project is estimated to cost around MAD 21 billion ($2.1 billion) and will be led by both local and foreign private investors, as stated by an unnamed energy ministry official.
The expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in Morocco’s southern provinces is part of a broader strategy to meet the increasing electricity demand across the country in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
A key component of this plan is the development of a 3-gigawatt cable linking renewable plants in the southern provinces to central Morocco, which has already attracted interest from private investors.
France has shown support for Morocco’s initiatives in the region.
In April, the French government announced its willingness to participate in financing the 3-gigawatt cable project connecting Casablanca to Dakhla.
This announcement preceded France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara in July.
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The United States and Spain have also expressed support for Morocco’s position, with the US recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the region in December 2020.
Spain backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the southern provinces in April 2022, marking a shift in its previously neutral stance.
These developments have encouraged Morocco to increase investments in various sectors, including energy infrastructure and agriculture, in its southern provinces.
However, the Polisario Front, the separatist group backed by Algeria, continues to challenge Morocco’s territorial integrity in the region.
As Morocco moves forward with its energy plans, the country is also attracting international interest in World Cup-related projects.
A delegation of 12 British companies is currently visiting Morocco to explore partnership possibilities in preparation for the 2030 tournament.
With its expertise in sports infrastructure and history of collaboration with Morocco on major projects, the UK is looking to play a role in the country’s World Cup preparations.
Morocco’s investments in renewable energy and infrastructure are part of a larger economic strategy tied to the 2030 World Cup.
The country has announced a total investment package of MAD 42 billion ($4.4 billion) since winning the bid to co-host the event, which aims to deliver a $1.2 billion economic uplift, primarily through increased tourism and infrastructure development.
