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Energy efficiency must be an economic and social priority for Morocco

Saïd Mouline, director of the new Moroccan agency of development for renewable energies and energy efficiency (ADEREE), comes back to the development of Morocco’s own energy. Despite the Kingdom knowing a resort of national solar power and the launching of wind parks, a passion for renewable energies is made to feel the part of several actors including the State and investors. Further more he will tell us the goals and restraints of the national programme on the efficiency of energy in different sectors that can provide a true upset to the consumption of energy by Moroccans.

 

Interview realized by Mathilde Darras Sadik,

for the center of analysis and publications of the Amadeus Institute

 

1.    Since March 2010, the CDER has transformed to ADEREE, what are the new goals from this agency?

In fact the ADEREE is the transformation from the CDER, which was created in 1982 as an agency of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The main reason of such an evolution and more development of renewable energies is that it is important today to master the consumption of energy and to aim at reaching a better efficiency of energy.
In this way the efficiency of energy and the mastering of the consumption of energy in the industry, in transport and in the building, which are the three sectors in which the most, energy is consumed.    
I notice that it’s those sectors the most concerned in our country but just as international truth. Morocco being a country that is dependant on energy it is just as necessary that it consume in order to master better our consumption.  Not to waste energy means to provide the same services by consuming less energy.
There are several different levels of action to reach this goal such as: the change of behaviour, the change of material and finally to develop substituted energies. It’s at this precise point that the renewable energy comes into play. The ADEERE aims to accompany the government over two tasks. The first is to increase part of renewable energy in the energy chart. The programmes carried at the highest level of the State have already started in solar power. Our aim is to assess the effects of 2000Mega Watt of solar energy, 2000 mega watt of wind energy and 2000 Mega Watt of hydraulic energy by 2020.
The large fields structured and planned out by voluntarisms have been set up. Since today there is a schema in which Morocco shows its self in the Mediterranean.
On the economic side we have been asked to reach 12 percent of efficient energy. This shows that it is necessary to find this in the transport sectors, in industries and in buildings. Formulas that help industries to reduce their energy consumption continue to produce efficient energy in terms of consumption energy in different sectors. This will help sometimes the financial aid, sometimes investments aid because the fact is whilst we speak about renewable energy or energy efficiency, the problem is always the same: the loss of investment.
The other action agent is communication and sensibilisation. One must present and help aside as we want to change the attitudes. In order to do this we must be able to show the investment gain by buying more from now on as the factors of energy will be less by tomorrow. Web ring helps to incite the Moroccan Citizen to feel concerned and to make him understand its interest in following this voice.

 

2.     Renewable energy aims to ensure Morocco’s energy security. They are also an opportunity to create a "green business" with new foreign investors, job creation and the mastering of new technologies. All these elements are they facilitators to ensure the economic stability of Morocco?

Morocco is not a big emission of CO2 but taking into account the dependence of importation of energy is 97 percent of Morocco must motivate an effort in the reduction of conventional energy. The fact of increasing primary material means that Morocco would have an astronomical energy factor that remains difficult to support given the economic factors and social issues of the country. We therefore understand the persistence and necessity for Morocco to invest in these new projects concerning renewable energies. In 2008, the energy factor of the country was 71 million dirhams. The titling of comparison on the Moroccan solar plan was announced and worth 71 million dirhams for its creation and planarization for the next ten years.
Today there exists several ways of coinciding the energy security and the stability of the country’s economy: the evolution of technology and the reduction of renewable prices. In turn certain sectors such as renewable energy is reduced and Morocco made its choice to anticipate this increase. Further more the prices become really competitive. On one hand the conventional energy prices increase and on the other hand the price of renewable energy reduces and Morocco has made the choice to anticipate this increase. Further more a national programme has been taken into consideration with the vision of industries in order that it can be implemented to develop employment, to develop Moroccan knowledge which is potentially seen by our country for solar, wind, hydro and coastal energies.
A voluntary schema is applied to the highest level by the state by a priority aimed towards the renewable energies and efficient energy.

3.    Can we accept Morocco’s green strategy plan as being a new economic model?

Yes, programmes launched by energy projects do not usually have this final end. In fact since the development of renewable energies have a national programme which foresees a new economic model.

4.    Is one of the strategies of Morocco to bring its expertise and green technology to Africa in the up coming years?

On the African continent there are few countries that have a supply of electricity distributed to the whole of its territory. There are therefore rural zones, which do not have access to the electricity reserves. Of course an electricity group and a mini reserve to supply the villages exists but remains a provisional solution.  Other formulas are possible to provide electricity to the villages. The decentralised approach that is made by solar systems for millions of homes that are far from the provider can be developed.  Concerning electrical power it is seen that there is a huge potential in hydro energy, solar energy and sometimes wind energy in several African countries. I think that there is a big potential, which aids investment for the African countries to make electricity happen from wind and solar power.
Other ways are possible to electrify villages. I believe that there is a big potential, which is necessary for the investment so that the African countries make electricity more powerful in terms of wind and solar. The continent has a large capacity of being independent where as today there are still numerous African countries that import petrol or fuel at High prices to make electricity. In fact, Morocco can bring its expertise based on its experience in renewable energy and numerous projects will be carried out together.
5. In its solar plan, why does Morocco make the choice of combining development of thermo dynamic and light voltage onto its territory?  Are these two mechanisms complementary and visible in Morocco?
Yes, the two sectors of thermo dynamics and of light voltage are complimentary to one another on the Moroccan territory. This question is the object of a large debate.
First of all in thermal solar power there are several sectors that exist: the satellite walls of Fresnel, the roofs that are highly concentrated… and in the light voltage there are geographic factors and services. The choice of either one or another service depends of geographic factors and companies that supply electricity: Shading, the need of water and the wish to either be allowed to make or not make the stock after sun set. Each section brings an extra value. Sites will be more orientated towards light voltage and others towards more thermo-solar energy.

6.    There is a lot of mention about solar energy in Morocco but does not wind energy in your opinion appear to be more promising in the long term?

Do we not enter logic of thinking that wind or solar energy will be gaining one more than the other since they each bring a different service.
The main thing is to prepare the stock of renewable energy in order to guarantee a permanent service. It is possible to foresee such an evolution in wind power by the knowledge of certain countries such as Germany, Denmark, The United States and China who all witness a strive towards wind energy. The evolution of wind power was made more quickly than solar power but nothing is used to put into competition as certain territories have more wind than sun and vice versa. Wind power is more in quantity than solar power.
It is clear that the two sectors come as a pair and are complementary. In the future other sectors will emerge: Coastal energy is an example. We are at present in the premises of a change of the use of energies: coastal energy.
We are in a process of change in the use of energies. We estimate that little by little fossil fuel will start to reduce in total of the global energy plan. But this requires lots of work and investment and time: a period of fifty years will be useful. In fact big projects announced today such as Desertec,  that represent 15 percent of European energy. By 2050 it will be coming from solar energy. This opens up another task.

7.    Projects, which are as used as much for solar or wind energy, are they profitable?

The cost of investment in solar power is considered. In the past, it was thought that not one resort would be ready before 2020-2030. That is to say the price of unit of production by solar energy will remain until this date up to the unit sale price of fossil fuel. Certain indicators show us that the date in which solar energy will be competitive. Certain indicators resemble to us by showing that the date in which solar energy is competitive will become loser but it will need a long-term logical investment.
In wind power the prices have reduced in the last fifteen years, which has encouraged the start of private projects in Morocco involving wind (the wind park of Lafarge) that has already a balanced economy thanks to the sale mechanisms of carbon.
The advantage at the start of the investments in renewable energies for the next twenty to thirty years is known since wind and solar are carbons that are available in unlimited quantities. All these sectors are not capable of bringing such warnings on prices of resources. In consequence it is interesting for the industries to invest in renewable energies and this joins the interest of Morocco, which does not have fossil fuel.

8. The new central thermo-solar panel of Ain Beni Mathar leans on the technological of a cycle that combines natural gas. Why have the choice?

The cycle that combines natural gas benefits the best result. In fact its result is 60 percent where as with a central thermo station of carbon, the result does not reach 30 percent. Without gas or combustion, central heating using energy will no longer work when the sun sets.
The capacity of Ain Beni Matha has a rise of 20 mega watts over a centre of more than 400 watts. Its not enough for a project but its a start of this section in our country and region. For putting in place this central heating, we have received finance in form of funds from the global environment.
In parallel, the centre of Tahaddart, in the south of Tangiers is already in place. The problem is who is able to have the necessary resources for gas in order to turn fully on. Gazoduc Marghreb-Europe supplies our centres in which Morocco receives a fee when Gazoduc crosses through its territory. With the entrance of Ain Beni Mathar, the distribution of available gas is raising questions. This repartition of available gas and the increase of available gas are questions, which are being asked. It is why today there is an important debate on the gas policy, which is currently taking place. This domain of energy remains a national priority to diversify the maximum resources and to not depend on just one resource.

 

9. Plans for solar power in Morocco are concentrated in the production of clean electricity on a large scale. Where are we in the accessibility of solar water heaters in Morocco for individuals already present in many Mediterranean countries?

PROMASOL program that was launched by the CDER in 2002 is an example of a plan designed to organize the sector of solar water heaters since the approval of installers to the communication surrounding this new technology. Our current problem boils down to this question:
How to direct the choice towards the solar water heater? The ADEREE offered the gouvernening body of energy development necessary financial support, sometimes with an accompanying long-term and repayable guarantee and either or associated with  a subsidy policy. Our proposal is that the price is the same when you buy an electric or solar water heater. On the one hand, the buyer of an electric water heater will pay electricity bills, and he who has bought a solar water heater will pay a monthly fee for some time. It is necessary to find mechanisms to make the monthly payment the lowest and most acceptable price. Indeed, the initial investment is the most important and we need this investment to remain within reach of the larger fraction of the population. The financial support is useful to encourage Moroccans to invest in renewable energy and lack of incentive in this area explains the delay in Morocco compared to other Mediterranean countries.
The solar water heaters are designed to be widespread in the projects of the state and local authorities; also by new supplies that are noted in the dossier of charges for the promoters.

10. And on the progress of legislative and regulatory framework for renewable energy in Morocco, where are we?

The law on renewable energy is spent in 2010. This law marks its importance because it aims to accelerate the use of renewable energy and making the major export projects of tomorrow. Morocco has been the most proactive in regards to this approach however we are still expecting that the application decree should be ready soon.

11.    There is much talk of "energy efficiency", particularly in the construction sector to stop wasting energy. Precisely for this reason, Moroccan firms have begun to make their own carbon footprint and energy audits?

The carbon footprint is becoming more of a necessity for companies to have. In fact it is more and more requested from their customers.  Major groups such as the Moroccan Phosphate Office, began making their carbon footprint.
Regarding energy efficiency, two factors must be taken into account, before and after the audit: on the one hand, companies need to know their energy picture, what is their actual consumption and location of the firm compared to a national average and international average in their industry. The role of ADEREE also involves at this level since the use of the development fund of energy is to provide financial support for energy audits, which has been sought.
On the other hand, the energy audit recommends ways to reduce energy waste.  Implementation of audit advice sometimes requires investment. The ADEREE is working on a process when the accompanying financial payback time is long.
Regulatory and legislative proposals on this subject are just in waiting.
The law on energy efficiency is being discussed in Parliament.  Rules are to be observed for large expected energy companies. The luxury of wasting energy will no longer be tolerated especially in large companies who have the means to reduce this waste. Energy efficiency is a priority and establishes procedures to monitor and control statements.
We can paradoxically estimate that Morocco is fortunate that the cost of energy is high and firms are sensitive to energy costs. They are therefore more likely to master the energy consumption, a process that must be generalized. Our position is much easier than in other countries when it comes to price of electricity or fuel in order to incite the development of renewable energies and energy efficiency. However it is not the case for butane gas which is largely financially sponsored for social reasons but which is hijacked for industrial or agricultural applications. In this connection, what has been done to acquire this knowledge?
Since the Kyoto Protocol and with the support of the United Nations Programme for Development of Moroccan experts were trained and were able to acquire this knowledge. Today few firms that specialize in carbon exist in the Moroccan market.
On energy efficiency, which is vast, and sect oral, international groups are already established in Morocco and there are Moroccan consultancies working in this field for over fifteen years. Indeed, in the years 85-90, a project on energy management in enterprises has been initiated but has been left in abeyance with the drop in energy prices.
And in this respect, the wishes of ADEREE are that there is sustainability in the projects and that is not tied only in energy every year. Since a sustainable energy policy can save 10 to 20 years to achieve results, we must encourage long term thinking and stick to the policy options currently defined: to promote energy efficiency and greater emphasis on renewable stock country's energy.

12. What gives warning to the code of efficient energy in order to incite the Moroccan consumer to buy more durable energy? Can one hope to see the born nature of future labels in the different sectors including the building?

One of the important sections is that the client is aware that he must buy in terms of consumer energy whether it being an apartment, a fridge or a car. As much as in the car, all Moroccans ask how much their car consumes since the buyer is sensitive when the price of petrol is high. The same reflex is adopted for the buyer of any article, which uses energy from any home.
Whilst there is the price of a flat, the question of consumption of energy of buildings has to be asked. This move needs to imperatively be ingrained in the inhabitant's way of life and the object of the ADEREE is to inform the buyer on the consumption of energy of each apparatus or home. In fact the Moroccan label is in discussion for fridges (A,B,C,D,E) and associated to a programme of recovering old fridges aimed for work. In fact the problem is that the used fridges that consume the most find themselves with clients the most poor but also who have an important energy factor.
Further more only the very rich can benefit from renewable energy and from efficient energy because whilst you have the means, investing on products can be possible. The ADEREE needs to accompany the investment from the beginning, which helps funds.
Concerning buildings we talk about label and where it is classed. A code is in preparation with the minister of Habitat to place the inhabitants. A test of promoters and buildings built need a deeper test. A certification is given in collaboration with the minister of Habitat.

13.    Can he hope to see an eco area in Morocco?  Some districts have already been given this name. Do they really exist? And firstly what is an eco -neighbourhood?

It's a neighbourhood with green spaces, respect for pickup of waste, wastewater management, construction-friendly environment. In Rabat, Earth Day took place in its green capital. Despite its steps forward towards the event, it has not yet an area for purification (but it will come soon). In the mean time the waste is deposited into the sea. Green open space has been rehabilitated and the transport system has been improved. Due to the capital's social diversity it aids its approach related to governmental politics.
Urban planning is therefore plans of planning directors of towns who depend in the minister of Habitat and Urbanisation. One should not under estimate this section, which is extremely important especially when we evoke the term of sustainable development. We hope that furthermore an effort will be made towards efficient energy material in the social housing. The Minister of Habitat is holds a price restriction concerning access to housing. However surplus amounts of energy consumptions will take into account the well being of inhabitants. Remember that if we build social houses with poor isolation or using electrical heaters or gas, which will be the energy factors for people from modest homes to pay for the waste of energy. In this way the policy of efficient energy in the building must be also a social policy.