Moroccan National Energy Strategy reviewed from a meteorological perspective

The National Energy Strategy (NES) in Morocco is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive renewable energy strategies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its intention is to establish 42% of total installed capacity from solar, wind and hydropower resources by 2020, with equal proportions of installed capacity for each resource. As an alternative approach, this paper aims to quantify the optimal combination of Renewable Energy Resources (RES) - wind, solar and hydropower generation - and to assess the NES power generation mix from a meteorological perspective. For the optimal mix analysis, a residual load modelling approach is adopted with the objective of minimising the effect of fluctuations of imbalance between renewable power generation and consumption. The model output provides material for discussion of the NES plan, and it lends support to the general strategy underlying the NES. Moreover, it highlights the importance of meteorological factors for the strategic consideration of future energy systems.