Morocco is investing $2.1 billion to double green energy production in the southern provinces by 2027, focusing on wind and solar power. The Sahara region will play a key role in this expansion, aiming to become a major hub for renewable energy.
Sahara as a Green Energy Hub
Morocco is ramping up its green energy efforts as it plans to double electricity production in the southern provinces by 2027. This move comes in response to growing demand and the country’s preparation to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The government of Morocco — led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch — is making a major investment in green energy. It plans to spend 21 billion dirhams ($2.1 billion) to boost its wind and solar energy capacity. According to Bloomberg, this investment aims to add 1.4 gigawatts of new green energy to the country’s infrastructure.
The southern provinces of Morocco — particularly the Sahara region — hold great potential for green energy production. Currently, the Sahara’s green energy capacity stands at 1.3 gigawatts, which accounts for almost a quarter of Morocco’s total renewable energy. Morocco plans to expand this capacity, making the region a major hub for renewable energy.
Several countries have recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the southern provinces, including the United States, France, and Spain. This recognition has led to increased investment in the region, especially in the energy and agriculture sectors. Morocco is keen to attract more foreign investment to further develop green energy projects.
New Infrastructure to Support Green Energy
To ensure the efficient use of green energy, Morocco has ambitious plans to improve its energy infrastructure. The government is planning to build a 3-gigawatt cable that will connect renewable energy plants in the southern provinces to the center of the country. This cable will allow Morocco to integrate more green energy into its national grid.
France has already shown interest in participating in the financing of this energy cable. The proposed cable would link Casablanca with the Western Saharan city of Dakhla. This project is part of Morocco’s broader vision to create a reliable and extensive green energy network that supports both domestic use and potential exports to Europe.
Foreign interest in Morocco’s green energy sector is growing. China — in particular — has shown great interest in the region. Several Chinese companies are exploring major green energy projects in Western Sahara. One notable company is HUAYOU, a leading manufacturer of electric battery components.
HUAYOU is studying an investment project worth 200 billion dirhams ($20 billion) over the next seven years. This project would significantly contribute to the development of Morocco’s green energy infrastructure.
Morocco’s Long-Term Green Energy Production Vision
Morocco’s push for green energy is part of a broader national strategy. The country is committed to increasing its reliance on renewable energy sources to meet both domestic and international demands. The expansion of wind and solar energy is central to this strategy, as the government recognizes the potential of its southern provinces — especially the Sahara — as a renewable energy hub.
With the planned increase in green energy capacity, Morocco is on track to become a key player in the global shift toward sustainable energy. The government’s investment in green energy infrastructure — combined with growing international interest — ensures that Morocco will continue to play a crucial role in the renewable energy market.
Morocco's plan to double green energy production in the southern provinces by 2027 is a forward-thinking and strategic initiative. The Sahara region — with its immense potential — stands at the center of this effort. By investing in wind and solar energy, along with enhancing infrastructure, the country aims to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity.