Wind energy is becoming the driving force behind Morocco’s electricity mix.

It pushed renewable production to record levels and steadily reducing dependence on fossil fuels, according to the latest annual report from the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE).

By the end of 2024, the country’s wind energy capacity reached 2,390 MW, up 18.5% from the previous year, representing 20% of total installed electricity capacity.

This growth reflects the commissioning of two major projects: the Jbel Lahdid wind farm (270 MW) near Essaouira, developed under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreement with ONEE, and the Repowering Koudia al Baida project (100 MW) in Tetouan, developed with MASEN.

Record output from wind energy

Wind power generation surged to 9,363 GWh in 2024, a 43% increase from 2023, accounting for 21% of total national electricity production and 80% of renewable output. 

Most of this electricity came from IPPs (47%) and private operators in the liberalized market (43%), with ONEE, MASEN, and self-producers contributing smaller shares.

Total renewable capacity reached 5,439 MW, covering 45% of Morocco’s electricity mix, with wind leading (44%), followed by hydro (24%), solar (17%), and pumped-storage facilities (15%). 

Renewable electricity generation totaled 11,666 GWh, a 27% increase from 2023.

Solar and pumped-storage developments 

Installed solar capacity grew to 928 MW, but production dropped 25% to 1,617 GWh due to the temporary unavailability of the Ouarzazate Nour III plant. MASEN accounted for 86% of solar output, ONEE 13%, and self-production 0.2%.

The Abdelmoumen pumped-storage station, commissioned in October 2024, added 350 MW and produced 135 GWhin its first operational months. 

This facility improves system flexibility, particularly for integrating renewables, while total pumped-storage production jumped 124% to 365 GWh.

Fossil fuels in decline

The rise of renewables contributed to a gradual drop in fossil fuel production. Coal, still the largest source at 60%, fell 4%, while fuel oil and diesel decreased 9%. 

Natural gas production increased slightly, providing flexibility to balance intermittent renewable sources.

Morocco targets over 52% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2030. 

With national electricity demand reaching 45.71 TWh in 2024, up 4%, more than 95% was met domestically, demonstrating the country’s ability to meet growing energy needs while advancing its energy transition.