A new initiative to accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition and develop strategic renewable energy projects has recently been launched by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). On December 23, representatives from the two bodies presented several projects, including Dosso, Maradi, and Diff solar power plans in Niger during a virtual meeting.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Aziz Rabbah, and MASEN’s Director of Cooperation and International Development Ali Zerouali launched the projects along with the IDB’s Vice-President Mansur Muhtar.
Africa needs to increase access to sustainable, quality and affordable electricity
MASEN CEO Mustapha Bakkoury
How the initiative will accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) plan to develop capacity for electricity production from renewable sources. They will also invest in developing skills for locals to enable continuous implementation of future projects in Africa.
A select number of strategic renewable energy projects on the African continent have been identified for development. Solar power plants with a combined capacity of 30 MWp in Dosso, Maradi and Diffa in Niger are among the projects listed for development. Three solar power plants with storage in Djibouti were also also presented during the virtual event. The plants are expected to be located at PK20, between Mouloud and Dikhil, and between Goubet and Petit Bara for capacities between 10 and 30 MWp. MASEN and IDB representatives also introduced the 50 megawatts solar thermal power plant in Senegal.
Morocco’s renewable energy ambitions
Morocco is looking to position itself among regional and worldwide leaders in the renewable energy and sustainable development sectors. With different renewable energy projects across the country, Morocco seeks to become self-sufficient in electricity and energy production in the long term.
MASEN CEO Mustapha Bakkoury says the initiative will strengthen the electricity production capacities of renewable energy in Africa and reinforce the development of local expertise capable of “autonomously supporting future projects.”
