Morocco has more than doubled its renewable energy capacity over the past decade, driven primarily by wind power, as the North African country accelerates its energy transition despite continuing dependence on imports, official data show.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Morocco’s total renewable capacity rose from 2,417 megawatts (MW) in 2016 to 4,851 MW by the end of 2025. Wind energy led the expansion, climbing to 2,452 MW from 902 MW ten years earlier, while solar capacity grew to 1,086 MW from 202 MW. Hydropower capacity remained largely stable at 1,306 MW.
“This growth reflects Morocco’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and boosting renewable sources, even as challenges remain in reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels,” said Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali.
Morocco now accounts for nearly 5.9 percent of Africa’s total renewable capacity, which reached 82,371 MW in 2025. The continent added 11.3 GW during the year, representing growth of 15.9 percent, according to IRENA figures.
Despite the progress, Morocco remains heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, which made up 87.5 percent of the country’s primary energy consumption in 2024. Minister Benali highlighted that this exposure poses risks to industrial sovereignty and economic stability.
“Morocco remains exposed to vulnerabilities that could hinder its industrial sovereignty, notably its dependence on fossil fuel imports, which account for a large share of primary energy consumption,” she told local media.
Renewable expansion could help reduce Morocco’s energy import bill and shield the economy from international price shocks. Wind power projects, in particular, have proven cost-effective and scalable, while solar projects, though smaller in installed capacity, are gaining traction in the country’s sunny southern regions.
The country’s investment in renewable infrastructure also positions it as a regional leader in sustainable energy. As North Africa grapples with energy security challenges, Morocco’s renewable strategy offers a model for balancing growth with climate goals.
Looking ahead, authorities are focusing on integrating new renewable sources with the national grid, improving storage capacity, and modernising infrastructure to handle variable output from wind and solar projects. The goal is to gradually reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while ensuring a stable electricity supply for industry and households.
Morocco’s decade-long effort demonstrates that significant capacity growth is achievable even in countries heavily dependent on imports, but experts warn that energy transition requires sustained investment, supportive policy, and careful management of technical and financial risks.
With nearly 5,000 MW of renewable capacity now operational, Morocco’s wind and solar projects are central to the country’s long-term energy and economic strategy, signaling a strong commitment to sustainable development and regional leadership in clean energy.
