Morocco targets 10 renewables by 2012

MOROCCO - Morocco is a country with no domestic fossil fuels production. The country has high energy use, and the demand for energy is growing between 5 and 8 annually.

Morocco imports 97 of its energy, the equivalent of about 10 of the countrys GDP, or $7 billion.

Morocco has 5,292 megawatts MW of installed capacity. Energy consumption per inhabitant is 685 kilowatthours per year, with 95 of the population having grid access.

Morocco is focusing on renewable energy sources to secure energy demand and achieve sustainable development. Wind is the most competitive renewable energy in Morocco. With Moroccos 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, solar energy ranks is the next strongest renewable source.

Wind currently provides 254 MW of power to Moroccos national grid, and more than 1400 MW of projects are in the feasibilitystudy or bidding stages.

In February, Morocco created the National Agency for Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The agency help increase renewable energy capacity, carry our feasibility studies for renewable projects and provide financial assistance to renewable energy service companies.

Ahmed Barudy, the nominated general manager for the company, said the company will be responsible for accepting bids for renewable energy projects, participate in renewable ventures and support local manufacturing of renewable energy assets.