The World Bank board approved a US$100 million loan May 29 to enable Morocco to improve its energy sector through activities including development of renewable energy sources.
The funds are to enhance energy security, advance competition and market liberalization to minimize energy costs, and maintain access to modern energy for the poor. Part of the program is to support the government in formulation of energy conservation and renewable energy policies.
In January, the World Bank invited expressions of interest from consultants to help Morocco promote renewable energy sources. (HNN 1/16/07)
The North African nation hopes to generate a fifth of its power from renewable sources, including new hydropower, by 2012 to reduce its reliance on costly energy imports. The government has identified 200 new hydropower sites, and forest-fed biomass could become an important contributor, in addition to wind and solar power.
