Morocco and the International Energy Agency (IEA) signed an action program for the 2024-2026 period on Friday to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in energy transition, the signing took place at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku.
Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA signed the program during a bilateral meeting at the Morocco Pavilion. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in energy statistics and data management.
The program also hopes to solidify cooperation regulating electricity and gas markets, support for renewable energy and hydrogen, regional energy transitions, energy security dialogue, climate resilience, carbon market integration, and technical and institutional support.
The renewed partnership reflects Morocco’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy policies and reinforcing its international cooperation in the fight against climate change, according to the ministry of energy transition.
The official institution added that Morocco is implementing an ambitious policy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.
Birol welcomed Morocco’s energy efforts, particularly in renewable energy, describing the Kingdom to the press as “a very important country in North Africa” and a “source of inspiration” on a regional and global stage.
Since becoming an associate member of the IEA in 2016, Morocco has continued its transition to a low-carbon economy. The collaboration between Morocco and the IEA, which began in 2007, has already resulted in significant progress in energy policy, statistics, and research and development.
The new program will support the implementation of Morocco’s national energy strategy by providing technical assistance on best practices and technologies to achieve the country’s energy goals.
COP29, running from November 11-22, focuses primarily on climate financing. This is in recognition of the need to help all countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods, especially those of vulnerable communities, from the worsening impacts of climate change.