Morocco could meet 90% of its electricity needs through renewable energy by 2035, report says

Morocco could cover up to 90% of its electricity demand with renewable energy by 2035 if it speeds up the integration of decentralized solar and clean energy systems, according to a report by the Imal Initiative for Climate and Development.

The report says that Morocco is entering a critical stage in its energy transition. Rapid population growth, economic expansion, and increased industrial activity are driving up energy demand. This trend makes reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels both urgent and strategic.

To meet this challenge, Imal’s report suggests Morocco triple its renewable capacity by 2030 and expand the use of decentralized renewable energy systems, known as SERD, to allow homes, farms, and businesses to produce, store, and even sell their own electricity.

This approach, the report explains, could turn ordinary citizens from mere consumers into “prosumers,” able to generate and manage their own energy through rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart storage systems.

The study estimates that rooftops across Moroccan cities could generate between 20 and 67 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity by 2035, depending on the scenario. That’s the equivalent of 8.6 to 28.6 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity and a potential market worth 9 to 31 billion dollars. 

Morocco would also avoid up to 48 million tons of CO2 emissions.

The report points to the growing role of electric mobility. By 2035, Morocco could have around 2.5 million electric vehicles, providing an enormous mobile energy reserve equivalent to 91% of the country’s projected electricity demand. 

Through “vehicle-to-grid” technology, these cars could store and feed electricity back into the national grid, enhancing energy security and flexibility.

Expanding decentralized renewable systems could create thousands of new jobs. Imal estimates that installing between 8 and 28 GW of small-scale solar systems could generate 13,000 to 43,000 jobs over the next decade.

The report warns that progress is being slowed by the lack of a national registry for small solar installations and by regulatory gaps that limit financing opportunities for local energy service companies.

Imal calls on the government and energy authorities to accelerate the implementation of Law 82-21 on self-generated electricity, promote smart grids, and create a national fund to support households and small businesses investing in rooftop solar.