Morocco has formally signed the Paris Declaration on Nuclear Financing, becoming one of 27 countries to commit to mobilizing resources for civil nuclear energy. The declaration, adopted at a recent Nuclear Energy Summit in France, comes amid growing global interest in low-carbon and reliable energy sources to support economic growth and climate goals.
The Paris Declaration emphasizes the role of nuclear energy in meeting increasing global demand for secure, affordable, and low-carbon power. Signatory countries acknowledge that, when responsibly deployed, nuclear energy can contribute to national energy security, economic development, and sustainable growth, complementing other renewable energy sources.
A key focus of the declaration is the mobilization of adequate, predictable, and diversified financing for nuclear projects. This includes leveraging a mix of public funding, support from international financial institutions, export credit agencies, private investors, and innovative financial instruments. Countries also commit to developing regulatory frameworks and asset management structures to ensure sustainable and safe nuclear energy deployment.
The declaration highlights the importance of international cooperation in building capacity for nuclear energy, encouraging long-term expansion of nuclear electricity generation, and strengthening the wider nuclear industry. Such initiatives are intended to accelerate energy diversification, improve energy security, and support national climate strategies.
Alongside Morocco, other signatories include Armenia, Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Romania, Rwanda, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkiye, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
At the summit, King Mohammed VI was represented by Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s head of government. In his keynote address, Akhannouch highlighted the strategic role of civil nuclear energy in enhancing energy security and achieving climate goals. He emphasized that Morocco’s growing demand for sustainable energy necessitates the integration of nuclear power into its energy mix.
Akhannouch further noted that civil nuclear energy extends beyond electricity generation. It offers opportunities in green hydrogen production, seawater desalination, nuclear medicine, and food security. He highlighted Morocco’s phosphate deposits, which contain substantial natural uranium resources, positioning the kingdom to leverage its mineral wealth in shaping the international nuclear energy discourse.
French President Emmanuel Macron underlined the broader benefits of nuclear power, describing it as a source of progress that reconciles three critical objectives: competitiveness, low-cost energy, and reduced carbon emissions, while supporting national energy independence.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said nuclear energy is both a cleaner alternative and a strategic opportunity for development. He stressed that reliable nuclear power is essential for electrification, digitalization, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, all of which require stable and predictable energy supplies.
Morocco’s adherence to the Paris Declaration signals its intention to expand low-carbon energy infrastructure while enhancing energy security. It reflects the government’s strategic approach to integrating nuclear power into the national energy transition, leveraging domestic resources, and attracting international investment and technical expertise.
The move also strengthens Morocco’s position in regional and global discussions on civil nuclear energy. By joining other countries committed to mobilizing financing, Morocco demonstrates its readiness to support long-term growth in the nuclear sector while addressing energy, climate, and economic priorities.
Observers say that Morocco’s participation could accelerate the development of its nuclear capabilities, enable technological transfer, and support broader energy diversification efforts. It underscores the kingdom’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and positions it as a key player in shaping Africa’s low-carbon energy future.
By signing the Paris Declaration, Morocco sets the stage for increased international cooperation, investment, and innovation in nuclear energy, aligning national priorities with global climate and energy security goals.
