The reform of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE), in line with the High Royal Directives, will enable Morocco to strengthen its role as the only energy corridor between Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic basin, stated the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, on Thursday in Rabat.
Since the launch of the energy strategy by King Mohammed VI in 2009, Morocco's energy sector has made significant progress, reaching a level of maturity comparable to that of neighboring and other countries worldwide, the minister told the press during the inauguration of Zouhair Chorfi, appointed by the Sovereign as the new President of ANRE.
Benali emphasized that the transformation of ANRE's role, as instructed by the High Royal Directives, to encompass other segments of the energy value chain such as natural gas, green hydrogen, transportation, distribution, production, and storage, marks a new phase for the sector. This is aimed at tripling or even quintupling investments in the energy sector in general, and specifically in electricity, gas, and hydrogen networks.
She further stated that, in line with the recommendations of the new development model, Morocco needs a strong and independent regulator to ensure the transparent entry of new investments, with the goal of driving economic and social development across the country.
The inauguration ceremony of the new president of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority highlights the importance of strengthening governance and regulation in the energy sector, in accordance with the High Royal Directives, she noted.
She also underlined that Morocco’s central role as a corridor for green energy and green products requires increased investments to collectively embark on this new phase of energy sector reform.