Report on Morocco’s Electricity Production and Trade: Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of Electricity Production Growth

Morocco’s national electricity production increased by 6.5% during the first four months of 2025, accelerating from 3% growth recorded in the same period in 2024, according to the Financial Studies and Forecasts Directorate (DEPF). This growth aligns with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, reflecting progress towards ensuring access to reliable and sustainable energy.

Key Drivers of Production Growth

1. Private Electricity Production: Increased by 8.1%, demonstrating the role of private sector investment in expanding energy capacity.
2. National Electricity and Potable Water Office (ONEE): Achieved 10.5% growth, highlighting effective public sector contributions.

This combined expansion underscores the effectiveness of Morocco’s diversified energy generation strategy, supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by fostering resilient infrastructure and innovation in energy production.

Renewable Energy Production Trends

Renewable energy production under Law 13-09 contracted by 13.9% after a substantial growth of 38.6% in the previous year. This decline highlights:

• The variable nature of renewable energy output.
• Ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent clean energy generation.

Despite the contraction, the focus on renewable energy remains critical for achieving SDG 13: Climate Action and reducing carbon emissions.

Electricity Trade Balance Analysis

• Import Volumes: Decreased by 4.4% through April 2025, reversing a 15.1% increase from the previous year.
• Export Volumes: Declined overall by 14.4%, but experienced significant growth in March and April 2025 with increases of 125.9% and 27.6%, respectively.

The recent export growth suggests a strengthening of Morocco’s position as a regional electricity exporter, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enhancing economic opportunities through energy trade.

Electricity Demand and Energy Transition

Net electricity demand increased by 5.3% through April 2025, compared to 3% growth in the same period of 2024. This increase reflects sustained economic activity across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by meeting growing urban and industrial energy needs.

Conclusion: Progress Towards Sustainable Energy Goals

• Morocco continues to balance traditional energy generation with renewable sources, maintaining grid stability.
• The country is developing its energy infrastructure to meet rising domestic demand.
• Efforts position Morocco as a key electricity provider in the North African region, advancing multiple SDGs including affordable energy, climate action, and economic growth.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses Morocco’s national electricity production growth, renewable energy production, and energy trade balance, directly relating to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • References to Morocco’s energy infrastructure development and diversification strategy connect to building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The focus on renewable energy production and challenges in maintaining clean energy generation relate to combating climate change and its impacts.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Increased energy consumption linked to sustained economic activity across sectors ties into promoting sustained economic growth.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 8 Targets
   • 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Electricity Production Growth Rates
   • Percentage increase in national electricity production (6.5% growth in 2025).
   • Growth rates in private electricity production (8.1%) and ONEE production (10.5%).
2. Renewable Energy Production
   • Percentage change in renewable energy production (-13.9% decline after 38.6% growth).
3. Electricity Trade Balance
   • Import and export volume changes (imports down 4.4%, exports down 14.4% overall, with significant monthly export increases).
4. Net Electricity Demand
   • Percentage increase in net electricity demand (5.3%).
5. Energy Infrastructure Development
   • Implied through references to diversification strategy and infrastructure development, which can be measured by infrastructure capacity and modernization indices.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: northafricapost.com