Energy

Lacking the hydrocarbons reserves of its neighbours, Morocco imports around 97% of its energy needs, importing the equivalent of 176,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. As of July 2010 the nation’s energy bill for the year was Dh39.4bn (€3.6bn), up 38.2% from the same period in 2009. However, a 2008 government strategy seeks to boost domestic production. The Ministère de l’Energie, des Mines, de l’Eau et de l’Environnement plans to nearly triple electricity capacity by 2020, with renewable alternatives such as wind and solar power expected to represent 42% of energy production. Two 1000-MW nuclear reactors are also scheduled to start operation after 2020. Additionally, several programmes are under way to reduce public consumption. Due to the success of the Global Rural Electrification Programme, Morocco has one of the highest rates of rural electrification in Africa, reaching 96.5% in 2009. This chapter contains an interview with Ahmed Baroudi, General Manager, Société d’investissements énergétiques.