Writing in the Sunday edition of the Financial Times, Fettah Alaoui noted that for many years “we talked regarding the drought as an exception”, adding that “2022 was the year we decided that we We didn’t need action plans for specific years, but a long-term vision”.
Ms. Alaoui said climate change would require accelerated investment in desalination plants, dams and water recycling systems.
“We want desalination to be done through public-private partnerships,” she said, noting that the cost of water for households will be subsidized, while industry and other large users will pay. a “correct price”.
Quoted in the same article, Youssef Brouziyne, head of the Middle East and North Africa at the International Water Management Institute, said that the year 2022 was “very difficult because it was the fourth consecutive dry year”, which has depleted vital reservoirs. He added that climate studies suggest that Morocco and its region were facing more regular droughts and more frequent and intense water shortages.
While Morocco already produces more than a third of its electricity from green sources, Fettah Alaoui also spoke of the growing interest of investors in renewable energies, in particular wind energy and green hydrogen produced by electrolysis of the water.
“In Morocco, there is wind or sun every day,” noted Zaid Belbagi, who heads the political consulting firm Hardcastle.
As the Kingdom continues “to increase its production of renewable energy, it might become Europe’s electricity supplier par excellence”, he assured.
Another part of the Moroccan approach concerns the diversification of the economy towards new sectors such as the manufacture of vehicles for European markets, which, according to the minister, involves the training of thousands of skilled workers.
Morocco’s automotive exports have increased by more than a third to reach 10.6 billion dollars in 2022, the British daily recalls in this regard, adding that Stellantis, owner of brands such as Peugeot, recently announced its intention to invest 300 million euros to double the capacity of its factory nears from the city of Kenitra.
