Written By: Faith Jemosop
Morocco Falls in Global Energy Transition Rankings
In a surprising development, Morocco has dropped to 70th place in the 2025 Global Energy Transition Index (ETI) published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Morocco ranked 65th out of 120 countries in the 2024 Global Energy Transition Index, as reported in June 2024.
Once hailed as a model for clean energy transition in Africa and the Middle East, Morocco’s decline from its previous top-50 position has raised alarm bells across the renewable energy sector.
The ETI assesses countries based on their energy system performance and readiness for transition to a more sustainable future. Morocco’s latest ranking reflects growing concerns over its stagnating momentum in clean energy deployment, energy security, and affordability.
Several intertwined factors have contributed to Morocco’s significant fall in global rankings:
1. Slowdown in Renewable Energy Expansion
Morocco had aimed to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, including solar, wind, and hydropower. However, as of 2025, the country has only reached around 37%, according to recent reports from the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN). Large-scale projects like Noor Ouarzazate, once among the world’s biggest concentrated solar power plants, are facing operational and expansion delays due to financing issues and grid constraints.
2. Energy Security Concerns
Morocco is heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly natural gas and oil. The country imports over 90% of its energy needs, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which places it in a vulnerable position amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The lack of a diversified energy mix weakens energy resilience and has factored into the ETI decline.
3. Affordability and Accessibility Gaps
While urban Morocco enjoys relatively stable electricity access, rural and marginalized areas still face limited or unreliable access, contradicting the inclusivity goals of the energy transition. Moreover, the rising costs of energy, both fossil-based and renewable, have led to affordability concerns, especially as Morocco phases out subsidies and imposes carbon pricing policies.
4. Underdeveloped Grid Infrastructure
One of the less visible but critical challenges has been Morocco’s outdated transmission and distribution infrastructure. Although generation capacity from renewables has grown, much of it cannot be fully utilized due to insufficient grid integration, especially in remote regions. This bottleneck discourages further investment and expansion of solar and wind farms.
How Morocco Scored
The Global Energy Transition Index evaluates countries on three core dimensions:
- System Performance – how well the energy system supports economic development, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
- Transition Readiness – the enabling environment, including political commitment, regulation, infrastructure, and human capital.
- Balance Score – how evenly a country performs across sustainability, security, and equity.
Morocco scored highest in political commitment and environmental sustainability, thanks to its early renewable energy policies and climate pledges under the Paris Agreement. However, it fared poorly in system performance, particularly in affordability and supply stability, dragging its overall ranking down.
Also read: Top 10 Energy Storage Companies in Africa Driving the Continent’s Renewable Future
What’s at Stake for Morocco?
Morocco’s energy transition is central not only to its climate goals but also to its economic development and regional energy diplomacy.
Economic Implications
Renewable energy was envisioned as a pillar of job creation and export potential, especially green hydrogen. Falling behind risks slowing down domestic industrialization plans and missing out on the growing green energy trade with the European Union.
Climate Commitments
Under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Morocco pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5% by 2030. A stalling transition could undermine its credibility on the global stage and limit access to climate finance from institutions like the Green Climate Fund.
Regional Leadership
Once a leader among African and Arab nations in renewables, Morocco now faces competition from countries like Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, which are rapidly expanding solar, wind, and battery storage solutions. Losing its frontrunner status could affect Morocco’s influence in platforms such as the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI).
💬 Expert Reactions
Energy experts have voiced concern over Morocco’s slide in the rankings. Fatima Zahra Mansouri, an energy policy analyst in Rabat, says:
“Morocco’s early lead in solar energy gave it momentum, but policy follow-through has been weak. We need stronger public-private partnerships and investments in grid modernization to get back on track.”
Dr. Mohamed Bouziane, a climate economist, adds:
“There is a mismatch between Morocco’s ambitious goals and the reality on the ground. Reforms must go beyond generation and address affordability, rural electrification, and transparency in project implementation.”
Also read: South Africa and Germany Ink Landmark Clean Energy Deal
To climb back in future energy transition rankings and fulfill its climate and economic goals, Morocco will need to:
1. Accelerate Renewable Deployment
Reinvigorate stalled solar and wind projects through financing reforms and fast-tracked approvals. Morocco’s Green Investment Plan 2030 must be fully operationalized with clearer implementation pathways.
2. Modernize the Grid
Investing in smart grid technologies, storage systems, and regional interconnectors, especially with sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, will help address the grid bottleneck and improve energy resilience.
3. Strengthen Energy Access Programs
Targeted subsidies, off-grid solar initiatives, and community energy programs should prioritize the last-mile electrification of rural Morocco, ensuring that the energy transition is just and inclusive.
4. Leverage Green Hydrogen
Morocco’s vast solar and wind potential makes it ideal for producing green hydrogen for export. Collaborations with the EU, Germany, and private investors can turn this into a growth engine.
5. Boost Transparency and Local Engagement
A more transparent energy policy framework, combined with local community participation in project design and ownership, will ensure that the transition is equitable and trusted by all stakeholders.
