Morocco has made energy transition a strategic national choice under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s Ambassador to Italy Youssef Balla said, stressing the country’s central role in transforming the Mediterranean into a space of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a roundtable in Olbia, Sardinia, during the FestMed fair, dedicated to Mediterranean countries and held under the theme “Common Challenges and Interests in the Mediterranean: Energy, Tourism, and Connectivity,” Balla showcased Morocco’s landmark projects, including the Noor solar power plant and the wind farms of Tarfaya and Tangier.
The diplomat noted that “today, nearly 42% of Morocco’s energy mix is green, with the goal of reaching 52% by 2030,” pointing to the country’s ambition in green hydrogen. Morocco’s roadmap, he said, aims to produce 14 TWh by 2030 and launch six major projects valued at €30 billion.
Thanks to competitive costs, Balla added, “the Kingdom is well positioned to become a natural energy supplier for Europe.”
Turning to tourism, the ambassador described Morocco as offering “a unique blend” of imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, mountains, and coastlines, while also moving into new niches such as medical, digital, and film tourism.
He noted that hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, will be “a historic opportunity to boost the attractiveness and visibility of the entire Mediterranean region.”
In this context, Balla called for the adoption of a Mediterranean charter for sustainable and responsible tourism that protects the region’s shared heritage.
On connectivity, the ambassador cited the success of Tangier Med Port, now the largest in both Africa and the Mediterranean, as well as flagship projects such as the planned Morocco-Spain undersea tunnel and the Euro-African digital highway.
He urged that the Mediterranean be made “a resource for unity,” stressing the importance of effective cooperation to address shared challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, and geopolitical tensions.
“Morocco is ready and willing to work with all its partners to make the Mediterranean basin a space of dialogue, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he said, underlining the need for a fair partnership structured around three pillars: Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
MWN with MAP
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