AfriBiz
Written by: Editorial Staff on March 27, 2012.
CAPE TOWN, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The robust growth in electricity demand has underlined the need for a significant expansion in future generation, and transmission capacity, in Morocco. This is creating considerable investment opportunities for private sector participation. Surging demand, and a strong need to reduce dependency from expensive coal and oil imports, have motivated the recent development of the renewable energy sector.The Moroccan electricity market has been growing steadily at nearly 6-8 per cent annually in the last ten years, following vigorous economic development and the implementation of a very successful rural electrification programme. This trend is expected to continue at about 5-7 per cent for the next ten years, following GDP growth forecasts of 5.5 per cent.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.energy.frost.com), Overview of the Moroccan Electricity Industry, finds that the country has embarked on a very ambitious electricity generation capacity-build programme, in order to raise installed capacity from 6,350 MW in 2010 to 14,500 MW by 2020, as electricity consumption is expected to almost double in the corresponding period.
Investments will reach an estimated MAD 138 billion in new generation infrastructure (2012-2020) and MAD 21.3 billion in network expansion (2011-2015). Renewable energy should account for 18% of power generation by 2012 and 42% by 2020.
“In an attempt to develop all energy resources available in the country, and to reduce its dependence on imported coal, the Moroccan government has decided to launch an ambitious wind and solar power programme,” notes Frost & Sullivan’s Energy and Power Systems Research Analyst Celine Paton. “This renewable energy programme aims to build 4,000 MW of additional capacity by 2020.”
The Moroccan electricity market is developing rapidly, with substantial investments planned in the next ten years, in order to follow steady demand growth and eventually meet the export potential of green power to Europe, in line with Article 9 of the E.U. Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of renewable energy, relating to the “20/20/20″ E.U. strategy.
While the government’s plans are ambitious, it has struggled to meet targets in the past. For instance, the reserve margin decreased to worrying levels in 2007 and 2008, due to significant delays in completing new generation facilities. Nevertheless, the commissioning of new facilities in 2009 and 2010, combined with an expansion of the transit capacity between Morocco and Spain (inducing an increase of electricity imports from Spain), has helped resolve the issue.
The National Plan of Priority Actions launched in 2008, encompassing the building of new generation capacity and the implementation of energy efficiency measures, strived to create balance between electricity demand and supply from 2009 onwards. Also ambitious new investment projects, particularly new generation facilities using clean coal and renewable energies, are poised to help Morocco meet its rising electricity demand over the next decade.
“Regional integration with neighbouring countries (Spain and the Maghreb) will also further secure power supply within the country, fulfilling Morocco’s aspiration to become the power crossroads between Africa and Europe,” concludes Paton. “Furthermore, the upcoming law on the restructuring of the sector (separating generation, transmission and distribution activities, and establishing an independent regulatory body), and the progressive sector’s liberalisation, should enhance transparency and promote further private sector participation.”
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Samantha James, Corporate Communications, at samantha.james.
Overview of the Moroccan Electricity Industry is part of the Energy & Power Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Overview of the South African Electricity Industry (2010 Update), The IRP2010: A Frost & Sullivan Impact Analysis and South African Solar PV Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
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Overview of the Moroccan Electricity Industry
M7BF-14
Contact:
Samantha James
Corporate Communications – Africa
samantha.james
SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
Posted by Editorial Staff on March 27, 2012.
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