Contribution to the assessment of the impact of the energy transition on the development of clean energy in Morocco

Abstract

The first decade of the 21st century was characterised by a growing awareness of the seriousness of climate change. Under the auspices of the UN, a number of international conferences were held to address the dangers of this ecological phenomenon: Kyoto in 2002, COP21 in Paris, COP22 in Marrakech and recently COP26 in Glasgow. The aim has been to advocate the gradual abandonment of the use of fossil fuels, which are major polluters, and their replacement by renewable energies known as "clean energies".

In this context, to meet its practically growing energy needs (importers of fossil fuels; 95%) in an unstable global environment (gradual rise in the price of fossil fuels), Morocco has adopted an energy strategy based on renewable energies (huge existing potential: solar, wind, hydro, biomass). There are many advantages to this strategic orientation:

- Greater energy independence,

- Decreasing cost of fossil fuels,

- A clean environment,

- Compliance with Morocco's international climate commitments

- Positive impact on massive investment,

- Morocco is facing up to the challenges of employment and sustainable development.

We therefore began by analysing the literature review, from which we identified and analysed the national and international energy context and outlook. We then assessed the economic, social and environmental impact of the energy transition, and conducted an in-depth qualitative study. This study involved a semi-directive interview with managers specialising in renewable energies (wind, solar, hydro), with the aim of demonstrating the intrinsic relationship between renewable energies and sustainable development.

The results obtained from this study provided an answer to our main problem, in which we found that there is a strong dependent relationship between renewable energies and sustainable development.