Marruecos: aumento significativo en las importaciones de gas natural a través del Gasoducto Magreb Europa

Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, informed a session in the Chamber of Councillors that monthly imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Morocco to Spain through the Maghreb Europe (GME) pipeline increased by more than 167% at the end of April. Benali stressed that access to the international LNG market is important to accelerate the development of renewable energies and move away from fossil fuels, as well as to decarbonise electricity and industry and reduce the national energy bill. Moreover, the minister announced that investment in gas infrastructure is being accelerated and that the private sector could invest between 4 and 8 billion dirhams (MMDH) in this area in the short term.
 
Expert Aziz Rabbah recently highlighted progress in the country's renewable energy sector. Rabbah announced that several new renewable energy projects were authorised last year, with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts, which represents the largest capacity authorised by the ministry in a single year. In addition, several new programmes and projects have been developed, including one to supply industrial areas with clean electricity, as well as the approval of the first two projects to supply industrial areas in Kenitra and Tangier with a capacity of more than 150 megawatts.

This announcement is good news for Morocco and the world, as the transition to renewable energy is a key priority in the fight against climate change. Moreover, the development of renewable energy sources not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but can also be an important source of employment and economic growth. Morocco has great potential for solar and wind energy, and has been recognised as a leader in renewable energy in Africa. Moreover, the country has implemented several programmes and policies to encourage the development of renewable energy, including incentives for investment and the creation of a favourable legal and regulatory framework. As Morocco continues its transition to a more sustainable and cleaner future, renewable energy development will remain a key factor in its long-term success.

Since the resumption of reverse flow service of the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) on 28 June 2022, Morocco has significantly increased the quantities of natural gas imported through the interconnection with Spain. The GME transported 536 GWh of gas to Morocco in January 2023, which represents the second highest figure since the implementation of the mechanism agreed between the governments of Rabat and Madrid.

This increase in natural gas imports suggests that Morocco is working to diversify its energy supply and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, the use of natural gas can be a cleaner and more efficient alternative for power generation compared to oil and coal. It is important to note that although natural gas is a cleaner option, it is still considered a fossil fuel and its use must be controlled and limited to avoid further impacts on the environment and climate change. Overall, this increase in Morocco's natural gas imports is a sign that the country is taking steps to improve its energy security and reduce its environmental impact. However, it is important to continue working towards the diversification of the energy matrix and the promotion of renewable energies in the long term, to ensure a sustainable future for the country and the planet.