Morocco approved energy projects worth nearly 22bn dirhams in the first three months of 2026, according to Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali.
Speaking in parliament, she said projects with a combined capacity of around 3,000 megawatts were authorised during the period. She described this as “nearly a third of the current installed capacity in Morocco” and said the first quarter of 2026 marked “the second turning point in investment and approvals”.
Since 2021, the ministry has approved about 66 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of six gigawatts and investments exceeding 55bn dirhams. That compares with just 23 approvals between 2011 and 2021.
She said the pace of approvals is now eight times faster than before 2021.
Renewable energy’s share of Morocco’s energy mix rose from 37% in 2021 to 46% in 2025, a nine-point increase in four years. Benali said the figure remains “far below the real share” given the number of imported solar panels and the growth of self-production.
She said supporting investment in the energy sector helps create jobs, boost economic competitiveness and strengthen energy sovereignty.
The minister pointed to institutional and legal reforms designed to tackle internal and external challenges. Law 82.21 allows citizens and businesses to produce clean electricity for their own use. Law 40.19 has simplified procedures and enabled electricity storage projects for the first time.
She also highlighted the national electricity and water utility’s 2025-2030 equipment plan, described as a “green plan” backed by 120bn dirhams in investment. It aims to add 15 gigawatts of new capacity, with more than 12 gigawatts coming from renewable sources, representing 88% of new capacity.
In the petroleum sector, the ministry has continued reforms to boost investment and competition by simplifying and digitising administrative processes. More than 800 fuel stations have been built with investments of about 2.5bn dirhams, creating over 4,000 jobs.
The government is also reforming the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines and has submitted a draft law to regulate the natural gas sector.
