Faced with the continuous rise in electricity costs, Morocco is turning to a solution that could fundamentally transform its energy landscape: self-production, particularly solar energy. This strategic lever has significant potential, but its development is still hindered by regulatory delays and economic obstacles.
Adopted in 2023, Law 82-21 was intended to accelerate decentralized electricity production. It offered a clear framework allowing households, SMEs, and industrial entities to produce and consume their own energy. However, more than a year later, the implementing decrees are still awaited, limiting the reform’s impact. The Competition Council has expressed concern, noting that a tool capable of significantly reducing the cost of a kilowatt-hour—projected eventually to 0.6 dirhams compared to the current 0.9—remains underutilized.
Aware of the urgency, the authorities have promised the publication of four implementing decrees this year. These texts will specify the rules regarding installation, connection, storage, and resale of excess electricity. Among the key measures is the reduction of the authorized threshold for industrial users, which would decrease from 20 MW to 5 MW, paving the way for greater involvement of SMEs.
“By lowering the threshold, hundreds of companies will be able to produce part of their electricity and enhance their competitiveness,” emphasizes Anas El Bouyousfi, CEO of Isolbox, as quoted by Finances News Hebdo. The framework also aims to extend this dynamic to private individuals, whose small photovoltaic installations can already significantly reduce bills, especially during peak daytime consumption.
Yet, despite the declining cost of equipment and nearly unlimited sunshine, several barriers remain. Incentives are modest, power limits are considered too restrictive, and the compensation for electricity reinjected into the grid is insufficient: only 20% of surpluses are currently purchased, while some installations could provide up to 60%. “This means self-producers are losing a significant share of their output,” laments energy expert Saïd Guemra.
To unlock this potential, the Competition Council calls for a bolder national strategy: simplifying administrative procedures, lifting resale caps, enhancing storage solutions, and supporting the development of a local industrial sector—from panel manufacturing to battery recycling.
As El Bouyousfi points out, developing a Moroccan solar ecosystem would not only reduce dependence on imports but also stabilize prices and increase the resilience of the electrical grid. This ambition aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s goals, which seek to reconcile energy sovereignty, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.
Electric self-production is no longer just a technological option: it is a strategic pillar. However, removing the existing barriers is essential to make it a true engine of Morocco’s energy transition.