Morocco Sets 2040 Deadline to Phase Out Coal and Boost Renewables

Morocco has announced a bold target to phase out all coal-fired power generation by 2040, making it the first North African nation to set a clear coal exit timeline. The move forms part of Morocco’s updated climate strategy and is aimed at accelerating the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The 2040 deadline is conditional on receiving adequate international climate finance, but even without external support, Morocco plans to end coal use within the same decade.

Currently, coal remains the backbone of Morocco’s electricity mix, accounting for nearly 60% of power generation in 2024, though this share has been steadily declining from earlier years. The government’s plan to eliminate coal aligns with its broader push to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

To fill the gap left by coal, Morocco is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity. The country aims to triple its renewable generation to over 15 gigawatts by 2030, significantly increasing the share of wind, solar, and hydro in the national energy mix. It also plans to invest in modernizing grid infrastructure, expanding energy storage, and building regional interconnections to manage variable renewable supply more efficiently.

In its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Morocco raised its greenhouse gas reduction target to a 53% cut by 2035 compared to a business-as-usual trajectory. This enhanced ambition reflects Morocco’s growing leadership in climate action within Africa and its commitment to align with global decarbonization efforts.

The transition away from coal will also have important socio-economic dimensions. The government plans to manage early plant retirements, retrain workers, and promote new green industries in regions dependent on coal operations to ensure a “just transition.”

Morocco’s 2040 coal phase-out marks a decisive step toward a sustainable energy future. If successfully implemented, it could strengthen the country’s energy independence, attract green investment, and establish Morocco as a model for climate action and renewable development across the Global South.

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