Q&A: How Green Tech Could Transform Morocco Sustainably

Technological innovations are transforming the energy landscape with smart grids, digital twins and electric vehicles (EVs) enhancing efficiency and sustainability. 

Morocco is positioning itself as a key player in this revolution, leveraging its strategic advantages to become a technological hub bridging Europe and Africa in clean energy technologies.

The country has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 52% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. 

Morocco's commitment to green transition is also evident in its substantial investments in solar and wind power projects, with plans to add approximately 6.5GW of solar and wind power capacity by 2027.

This shift towards renewable energy addresses Morocco's growing electricity demand while aligning with global sustainability goals. 

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) and the Green Tech Institute (GTI) are playing crucial roles in training future leaders in renewable energy and advanced technologies.

Ahmed Chebak, Professor of Electrical Engineering at UM6P and Director of GTI, discusses how these institutions are revolutionising the energy sector through collaborations with key industry partners. 

Q. What is UM6P and Green Tech Institute and how are they positively contributing to renewable energy and advanced technologies?

UM6P is a Moroccan university focusing on developing solutions to specific continental and more broadly global challenges.

UM6P is oriented towards education and research, with strong links to industry, business and innovation. The university commits itself to empowering a new generation of talents that will build and lead the future of Africa. 

GTI, created in partnership with the Green Energy Park, trains skilled professionals in renewable energy, smart grids, green technology and industrial digital advancements. 

UM6P’s Benguerir campus is also a model of sustainability — the African Supercomputing Centre, powered partially by green energy, supports high-performance research in genomics, climate modelling and agriculture. 

These efforts position UM6P as a key player in sustainable technology, supporting Morocco’s energy ambitions and contributing to global goals.

Q. How is UM6P's Green Tech Institute contributing to the development of skills needed for implementing smart grid technologies and digital twins?

At GTI, UM6P recognises the importance of digital twins and smart grids in optimising energy systems and advancing the energy sector's digital transformation. 

Through tailored programmes, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge software, simulations and real-world projects, preparing them to design, implement, control and maintain these complex technologies. 

GTI’s curriculum includes specialised programs such as the master’s in Electrical Engineering for Renewable Energies and Smart Grids (RESMA). 

This programme emphasises the technical skills required to integrate renewables into modern power systems. 

GTI’s Labs and UM6P’s ‘Living Labs’ provide a real-world learning environment where students work with digital twin models and smart grid technologies. 

This hands-on training prepares graduates to develop and manage resilient, efficient energy infrastructures.

Q. Can you elaborate on how UM6P and GTI are advancing sustainable energy solutions and climate modelling?

The Moroccan government has focused on sustainable energy solutions and climate modelling in order to achieve its wider goals of creating and implementing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy systems, which are specifically aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

UM6P’s solutions-based approach has been specifically developed to work in tandem with this. 

UM6P and the GTI advances Morocco’s sustainable energy agenda through research partnerships and innovation.

The institute’s work in energy management, green hydrogen, sustainable energy storage, green mobility and climate modelling addresses energy inefficiency issues and emissions reduction. 

By aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, GTI contributes to affordable, reliable energy solutions. 

Notably, its focus on green development through its interdisciplinary research programmes promotes productivity while cutting emissions, reinforcing Morocco’s leadership in climate-resilient energy systems.

Q. What role does the Green Tech Institute play in fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation in renewable energy technologies?

GTI fosters industry-academic collaboration by partnering with organisations like Capgemini Engineering, EDF Renouvelables and Managem. 

These partnerships support education and research in areas like hydrogen production and storage and green energy infrastructure, bridging the gap between academic innovation and industry needs. 

Through these collaborations, the GTI accelerates the practical application of renewable technologies and provides students with valuable exposure to real-world challenges. 

This synergy not only drives energy innovation but also positions Morocco as a renewable energy leader.

Q. How is UM6P preparing the workforce of the future to work with emerging technologies like electric vehicles and their integration into smart grid systems?

Morocco has a strong automotive industry and renewable energy sector, alongside its natural raw materials of cobalt and phosphates. Morocco is perfectly positioned to be a leader in developing sustainable energy storage solutions. An existing example of this is its new electric vehicle battery factor in Tangier. 

UM6P has also partnered with Capgemini Engineering to collaborate on the storage of hydrogen for use in the transport industry. This is part of the university’s wider initiative to encourage research into green energy production and storage. 

GTI performs research and provides training on EV-smart grid integration and design and optimisation of electric traction systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, preparing students to lead in sustainable transport and energy sectors. 

This approach ensures that Morocco remains at the forefront of the green energy transition.

Q. What are the most promising technological innovations being developed or implemented that could significantly impact the transition to sustainable energy?

I think that the most promising technological innovations that could significantly impact and accelerate the energy transition are the Advanced Battery Storage Technologies, mainly to manage intermittent renewable sources.

Smart Grid Technologies are integrating AI and IoT to better grid efficiency and reliability, as well as energy management and optimisation, alongside Green Hydrogen Production and Applications. 

For example, UM6P’s work in green hydrogen, especially its pilot electrolyser project with Chariot Hydrogen and Oort Energy, holds immense potential. This collaboration aims to scale hydrogen production, providing a green alternative for sectors like agriculture and transport.

By developing this technology, UM6P is advancing Morocco’s capacity for sustainable, emissions-free energy production, reinforcing the country’s role in the global transition to renewable energy.

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