Morocco Joins Global Pledge to End Coal Power Financing at COP26

By co-signing this document entitled "declaration on the transition from coal to clean power", the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, accepted the pact that commits Morocco to ending public support it grants to projects involving the development of these highly polluting energy sources, reports Telquel.

In plain terms, Morocco has just ratified three of the four clauses contained in the declaration. The missing one being the second, aimed at phasing out coal-fired electricity. The three other clauses nevertheless call for "ceasing any new coal-fired power generation project", committing to a "just and inclusive transition" and accelerating clean energy production and energy efficiency measures.

For the record, the share of coal in Morocco’s electricity mix is 69%, recalls TelQuel, adding that the kingdom has four coal-fired power plants, located in Jerada, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammedia, Safi and the last one, in Nador, is expected by the end of 2022.

Due to the operation of these facilities, experts have estimated that "Morocco and South Africa are responsible for 95% of coal production in Africa", the same source points out. It should be noted that the world’s major polluting countries did not sign this document. These are Australia, China, India, the United States, Japan and Russia.