Morocco signed a three-year joint program of work with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to deepen bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy security, energy efficiency, capacity building, data, and renewable energy. The work program is tailored to the country’s specific needs in its transition to a low-carbon economy. Under the program, the agency will work closely together to reach the ambitious objectives set out in Morocco’s long-term energy plan.
Dr. Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, commented that “this Joint Program of Work takes the long-standing relationship between the IEA and Morocco to a new level. It will cement the partnership between the two parties for a more sustainable and secure energy future. Morocco’s leadership and commitment to expanding the deployment of renewable energy and weaning itself off imported fossil fuel are to be commended.”
Morocco became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa, or the so-called MENA region, to have joined the IEA initiative aimed at opening the organization’s doors to emerging economies. Through this initiative, the agency has expended its global activities, as it works with the key emerging countries to ensure a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Morocco, which has abundant renewable energy resources, mainly solar, wind and hydropower, is a regional leader in deploying sustainable and green energy solutions. The government is making efforts to reduce its dependence on imports of fossil fuels and to increase renewable energy in power generation. Morocco was also among the first countries all across the MENA region to cut fossil fuel subsidies and launch energy efficiency measures.
The IEA started collaborating with Morocco in 2007 with focus on the areas of energy policy, research and development as well as data sharing. In 2009, Morocco adopted a national energy strategy and set targets for hydropower, solar and wind. The new program is designed to support Rabat in as it implements its energy strategy.
