Author: greentimes.ma
Nearly forty years after the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on the protection of the ozone layer, significant progress has been made, but the mission to restore this shield of the planet seems far from complete. Since the publication in 1985 in the scientific journal “Nature” of the foundational study that documented massive ozone loss in the southern spring and underscored the urgency of a multilateral response, science has refined its diagnostics and analytical tools. The numerous reports that followed are clear: healing is contingent upon strict adherence to commitments to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer, particularly chlorofluorocarbons…
Faced with the unpredictability of climate and recurring crop losses, some Indian farmers are exploring agrivoltaics, a technique combining solar panels and crops. Harpal Dagar, a farmer near Delhi, agreed to elevate his fields with solar panels, ensuring stable income while continuing to cultivate beneath them. Under a 25-year contract, he receives an annual income of about $1,200 per acre, in addition to monthly maintenance fees for the installations, all while preserving his harvests. Agrivoltaics offers several advantages: reduced irrigation needs, protection against thermal stress, and diversification of income sources. According to the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI),…
The Competition Council has published a significant opinion on the future of Morocco’s electricity sector, calling for a refocusing of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), a gradual opening to competition, and a significant reduction in production costs. The goal is to transform electricity into an engine of economic competitiveness while following royal directives. Over the past two decades, Morocco has strengthened its supply security and developed its energy infrastructure. The comprehensive rural electrification program has served nearly 13 million people, and investments in solar and wind energy have made the country a key regional player. However,…
The Noor-Ouarzazate solar complex represents a remarkable achievement in the field of solar energy, highlights the report “The Renewable Energy Investment Case for Africa.” It is one of the largest concentrated solar power plants in the world, with a total capacity of 582 MW derived from both concentrated solar power (CSP), which provides 510 MW, and photovoltaic (PV) technologies for the remaining 72 MW, notes the document released in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 2nd Climate Summit (September 8-10). The report points out that this project is the cornerstone of Morocco’s national strategy to increase the share of…
EDF plans to launch, starting November 2025, an experimental scheme allowing 6,000 customers to be compensated for reducing their electricity consumption during peak demand periods. The objective is to assess individuals’ willingness to adopt electrical flexibility and relieve the grid during consumption spikes. This type of program, known as “demand response,” involves reducing or shifting certain electrical uses, such as heating, washing machines, or electric vehicle charging, during peak hours. This helps limit the reliance on expensive and polluting thermal power plants and decreases the country’s energy dependence. Unlike other programs like EJP or Tempo, which are viewed as restrictive,…
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) could provide a funding of €25 million to Crédit du Maroc to support private investments related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The operation, currently at the preliminary review stage, falls within the framework of the GEFF+ (Green Economy Financing Facility). This comprehensive mechanism would amount to €65 million, including €40 million in the form of a MidGEFF loan, supplemented by a potential contribution from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) of €6.25 million. Additionally, the project would be accompanied by incentive grants and technical assistance funded by the European Union and the…
Morocco is set to launch an unprecedented agricultural program starting next November, lasting six and a half years (2025-2031), designed to enhance social and economic inclusion in rural areas. With a total budget of €216.3 million, it will be co-financed by the state and the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is contributing €100 million, nearly half of the total investment. Led by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA), this project aims to achieve multiple objectives: improving the incomes of small farmers, creating jobs in rural areas, enhancing resilience to climate change, and providing real prospects for…
After mobilizing $1.77 billion in 2025, the World Bank is preparing a new funding program for Morocco in the 2026 fiscal year, with three projects currently under negotiation. The first loan, amounting to $200 million, aims to enhance the Kingdom’s climate resilience. This funding is part of a Disaster and Climate Resilience Program designed to support the implementation of the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy (2021-2031). It will help protect critical infrastructure, develop early warning systems, and strengthen flood risk management and responses to extreme natural events, building on pilot initiatives conducted in Fez and Mohammedia. This initiative addresses Morocco’s…
The government council approved on Thursday the draft decree No. 2.25.432 amending and supplementing decree No. 2.14.782 of 30 Rajab 1436 H (May 19, 2015) regarding the organization and operational procedures of the environmental police. This was presented by the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. The draft decree aims to amend and supplement decree No. 2.14.782 concerning the organization and operational procedures of the environmental police in order to enhance the effectiveness of their interventions. This police force was established by Article 35 of framework law No. 99.12, which serves as a national charter for the…
Marked by the presence of the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, this assembly, which gathered more than 150 members and institutional partners, allowed the Moroccan Renewable Energy Cluster (Cluster ENR Maroc) to renew its board of directors in a spirit of continuity and strengthening of its governance, as stated in a communiqué from the Cluster ENR Maroc. Additionally, the meeting highlighted the key role of the Cluster in supporting the major energy orientations of the Kingdom, the same source added. On this occasion, Mr. Mezzour, quoted in the communiqué, stated: “The holding of this elective general assembly reflects…