Rabat – “Morocco has all the tools [it needs] to begin the transition to a carbon-free mode of [energy] production,” Leila Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development said on Tuesday.
Benali opened a meeting on green energy, organized by Cluster Solaire, by saying that Morocco does not need to wait for the EU to bring planned tariffs on carbon-intensive goods, such as cement, into force before helping Moroccan companies to begin using less carbon.
“Morocco has all the tools for this change,” she said.
The European Commission could introduce carbon tariffs on countries and companies in the 27-member bloc as part of the planned European Green Deal which could be introduced in 2026.
Among the tools that aim to help Morocco use less carbon, include its national renewable energy strategy, which aims to cut the country’s use of coal, oil, and gas production, in addition to laws introduced to protect biodiversity and wildlife.
Read also: Morocco Renews Commitment to Environment, Sustainable Development
The minister also argued that “strong” energy policies should be implemented as a response to the current economic crisis. These policies include stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and pollution.
Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasized that the energy transition provides industrial operators with sources of environmentally responsible growth, allowing them to increase their competitive edge and begin the decarbonization of their production.
“This is an ideal opportunity to have clean energy at very competitive costs and to promote the development of a national carbon-free industrial fabric,” added Mezzour.
The event was organized by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Swiss charity the Drosos Foundation. The event aimed to raise awareness about clean technology sectors and make companies and other institutions more aware of them.
Around 200 people participated in the meeting in person and more than 500 remotely. Participants included public and private sector figures, as well as experts and representatives from the green economy sector.
The regional vice-president of the IFC in Africa, Sérgio Pimenta, hailed “the efforts of the Moroccan government in its commitment to the climate, in which Morocco has set itself great ambitions and demonstrated undeniable leadership.”
The director of IFC for the Maghreb, Xavier Reille emphasized that Morocco is “already a pioneer of the green economy” and can also be a pioneer in the development of green-tech, high-tech companies and start-ups that can help solve Morocco’s climate change, water, and energy-saving problems.
Morocco is one of the leading countries in renewable energy. The country’s share of renewable energy in the global energy mix is steadily increasing, and it is making steady progress towards transitioning to a greener future.
