Morocco's energy transition efforts have yielded encouraging results over the past year, underscored by the drilling of four exploratory wells—three onshore and one offshore— at a total investment of over MAD 1 billion, Minister of energy transition Leila Benali reported on Wednesday.
These efforts, led by the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), have also been complemented by an intensified research into strategic and critical minerals, which are essential for energy and digital transition, Benali emphasized in a press release from her department.
In this regard, Benali stressed the strategic importance of the hydrocarbons and mining sector in achieving the Kingdom's energy and mineral sovereignty, calling for concerted efforts to enhance the sector's appeal to investors.
She highlighted the importance of considering the challenges posed by global energy fluctuations, noting that exploration is often a complex, costly and high-risk activity. Benali further urged a focus on targeting untapped geological zones.
Natural gas can have a key a role in supporting the transition to lower or zero emission renewable energy sources, thanks to its relatively low carbon footprint.
Benali, who chaired the 22nd session of the ONHYM Administration Council, praised the milestones achieved in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project recognized as a strategic initiative aligned with the Kingdom's vision for South-South cooperation.
