
Renewable Energy Revolution in Morocco: How Masen Is Using GIS to Accelerate Clean Power Development

Saudi Arabia and Morocco Deepen Energy Partnership with New Renewables Program

Morocco's renewable energy sector is entering a new phase of development with the introduction of advanced digital tools designed to optimize project planning and implementation. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) has announced plans to launch a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) dedicated to renewable energy across the nation in 2026. This ambitious digital platform will integrate geospatial data from across the country, creating a centralized repository of information specifically tailored to solar and wind energy projects.
The development of this GIS platform represents a significant step forward in Morocco's broader energy strategy. The country has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 52% by 2030, and this new system will play a crucial role in achieving that goal. By consolidating data on energy potential, site-specific conditions, environmental factors, and existing infrastructure, the GIS will enable planners and developers to make more informed decisions about where to locate new solar and wind facilities. This data driven approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that projects are sited in locations where they can generate maximum output while minimizing environmental impact.
Morocco's progress toward its renewable energy goals has been remarkable. Current projections suggest that the country will actually exceed its 2030 target well ahead of schedule, potentially reaching 56% renewable capacity in its electricity mix by 2027. This accelerated timeline reflects the success of recent investments and policy initiatives in the renewable sector.
Wind energy has been a particular success story in Morocco's renewable energy expansion. Over recent months, wind power capacity has grown substantially, reaching approximately 2,390 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2024. This achievement is especially significant when considering that wind power now accounts for nearly one-fifth of Morocco's total installed electricity generation capacity. This rapid growth demonstrates both the country's commitment to renewable development and the viability of wind resources in Moroccan territories.
Masen views the GIS program as far more than just a data management tool, it represents a strategic instrument for decision making that will transform how renewable energy projects are planned and executed. The platform will enable the collection, storage, analysis, and visualization of geo referenced data, providing stakeholders with a complete and integrated view of all the factors that influence renewable energy project development and feasibility.
The GIS system will support renewable energy development across every stage of the project lifecycle. In the early phases, it will help identify high-potential sites suitable for solar and wind energy production by analyzing resource availability and geographic characteristics. As projects move forward, the platform will assist in analyzing the environmental constraints that could affect project feasibility, ensuring that developments are environmentally responsible and compliant with regulations. The system will also evaluate infrastructure requirements, helping planners understand what grid connections, roads, and other facilities are needed to support new projects. Additionally, the GIS will facilitate stakeholder engagement by providing transparent, data-driven information that can be shared with local communities, government agencies, and other interested parties.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy has established itself as a leader in large-scale renewable energy project implementation. The agency's portfolio includes some of the most impressive renewable installations in the world, demonstrating Morocco's commitment to clean energy development.
One of Masen's most notable achievements is the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, which stands among the largest solar power facilities globally. This massive installation represents a significant investment in Morocco's solar capacity and has recently returned to full operation following scheduled maintenance. The successful operation of this facility demonstrates Morocco's technical capability to manage world-class renewable energy infrastructure.
Beyond the Noor Ouarzazate complex, Masen has launched several programs designed to expand solar power generation across the country. The Noor Atlas Photovoltaic Solar Energy program is a prime example of this expansion strategy. This comprehensive initiative involves investments exceeding 2 billion dirhams and is specifically designed to boost solar capacity throughout Morocco while supporting the country's broader renewable energy objectives. These investments reflect Masen's commitment to diversifying Morocco's renewable portfolio and ensuring that solar energy plays an increasingly important role in the national electricity mix.
By introducing the GIS platform, Masen is pursuing a dual objective: strengthening its role as the primary driver of Morocco's energy transition while simultaneously advancing the agency's own digital transformation. The platform represents a recognition that modern energy planning requires sophisticated digital tools and data-driven decision-making processes.
The GIS system is designed with a particular emphasis on territorial alignment ensuring that renewable energy development is closely matched to the specific characteristics, resources, and constraints of different regions across Morocco. Rather than applying a one size fits-all approach to renewable energy development, the platform will enable planners to tailor projects to local conditions, maximizing efficiency and sustainability while respecting regional differences.
This approach reflects a mature understanding of energy planning that goes beyond simply maximizing capacity. Instead, it recognizes that successful renewable energy development requires careful consideration of geography, environment, infrastructure, and community factors. By providing a comprehensive digital platform that integrates all these considerations, Masen is positioning Morocco as a leader not just in renewable energy capacity, but in the sophisticated planning and management of renewable energy systems.


