Leila Benali, Energy Minister, Morroco, speaking at a conference on batteries in Rabat, revealed that out of the $7 billion investment planned by Morocco to expand its energy capacity by 9 gigawatts by 2027, 6.5 gigawatts would be attributed to renewables. Currently, renewable capacity stands at 4.5 gigawatts, comprising 37.6 % of the total capacity, as reported by the electricity regulator. Since 2009, Morocco has allocated $6 billion to renewable projects, aiming to raise their share in the country's energy blend to 52% by 2050, primarily through investments in solar and wind energy. We must invest more in areas like grids- to enhance development of renewables in our country - storage and batteries, Benali said. Coal presently contributes around 70% to Morocco's electricity generation, whereas renewables made up 20% of the energy mix last year, according to official data. In March, the government announced plans to construct liquefied natural gas infrastructure in Nador's Mediterranean port, connecting it to a pipeline facilitating gas imports from Spanish LNG terminals. Minister Benali highlighted the importance of natural gas in the country's energy transition. Earlier this year, the government introduced incentives and earmarked 1 million hectares for its green hydrogen initiative, aimed at attracting investors for both domestic consumption and exports. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, is anticipated to play a vital role in decarbonising industries. (Source: ET Energy)