On February 14, 2025, Morocco and China inaugurated a joint laboratory dedicated to renewable energies and advanced materials in El Jadida. This project is the result of collaboration between the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company, the Chinese universities of Xi’an and Shandong, and Chouaïb Doukkali University of Morocco.
The main objective of this laboratory is to support Morocco’s energy transition initiatives by integrating innovative technologies tailored to local and continental needs. Research will focus on the efficient use of solar and wind energy, the development of smart sensors, and the improvement of energy storage systems. Special attention will be given to studying the aging of photovoltaic installations under extreme climatic conditions, with the aim of extending their lifespan and optimizing their performance.
This initiative is part of strengthening Sino-Moroccan relations, with Morocco being viewed by China as a strategic gateway to European and American markets. Trade exchanges between the two countries reached nearly 8 billion dollars in 2023, reflecting a rapidly expanding economic partnership.
In addition to technological research, the laboratory aims to contribute to the training of highly qualified researchers and engineers in Africa, thus addressing the continent’s energy and environmental challenges. The solutions developed will be applied to mitigate energy shortages and reduce pollution, thereby reinforcing Morocco’s role as a regional leader in renewable energies.