Morocco plans to quit coal power by 2040, but only with global funding support

Morocco plans to phase out coal-generated electricity by 2040, but the move will depend on securing international climate financing to fund the transition, according to the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA).

The PPCA said Morocco has accelerated investment in renewable energy and natural gas to reduce its reliance on coal, which still accounts for a large share of the country’s electricity mix.

Morocco joined the alliance in 2023, alongside about 60 other governments committed to ending coal dependence.

Coal-fired power made up about 59.3% of Morocco’s energy mix in 2024, down from 70% in 2022 — a sign that the shift toward cleaner energy is already underway.

Under its current national strategy, Morocco aims to increase renewable energy to 52% of installed capacity by 2030, up from roughly 45% today, as part of efforts to curb carbon emissions.

Julia Skorupska, head of the PPCA Secretariat, praised Morocco’s progress, saying the country is moving from heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports toward a future powered by locally produced renewable energy.

Setting a target date for ending coal use, she added, marks a major step toward cleaner air, green jobs, and lower energy costs.

Rachid Ennassiri, president of the independent Imal Center for Climate Research, said the new commitment shows Morocco’s readiness to begin planning for the early retirement of coal plants and to reform energy contracts.

However, he stressed that a just transition will only be possible with international climate financing.

The plan aligns with Morocco’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in large-scale renewable projects, most notably the Noor Solar Complex in Ouarzazate — one of the largest solar power plants in the world.

Morocco has also raised its climate targets, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 45% by 2030, in line with its commitments to the United Nations.