Morocco Aims to Become Regional Leader in Renewable Energy, Strategic Minerals

Rabat – Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, says that Morocco is on a steady path to becoming a regional hub for renewable energy and strategic minerals. 

She made the statement on Tuesday during the 4th edition of the Europe-Africa Forum, held in Marseille. Morocco was the guest of honor for this year’s edition.

Speaking during a session at the event, Benali outlined Morocco’s strong commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. She explained that this direction is part of Morocco’s vision that considers energy transition a strategic choice and a key driver of the country’s new development model.

Benali said that over the past 20 years, Morocco has invested heavily in energy infrastructure. These investments have allowed the country to produce competitive electricity from renewable sources. She noted that the cost of producing renewable energy in Morocco is less than one-third the cost of nuclear power in some European countries.

This progress, according to the minister, follows Morocco’s objective of making energy transition a central pillar for achieving energy sovereignty and strengthening energy security in a rapidly changing global context.

Benali also said that Morocco is focusing on developing renewable energy, localizing technology, and building local industrial supply chains that create jobs. She pointed out that the country has strong potential to produce green hydrogen products such as methanol and ammonia, which could power international shipping fleets at lower costs than liquefied natural gas.

In addition to energy, Benali spoke about the importance of including strategic minerals in the energy transition efforts. She explained that Morocco is working with African and international partners to update sustainability standards and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certifications for critical minerals.

This is part of what she described as a “super-region” stretching from Kazakhstan to South Africa through Morocco. The aim is to build strong, sustainable supply chains and strengthen African integration.

Benali added that Morocco hopes to announce a new unified framework for sustainable mining practices during its upcoming national mining conference.