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Smart grid implementation in Morocco: Case study

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DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.03.176

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 Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Smart grid implementation in Morocco: Case study

Meryem Meliani a,⇑, Abdellah El Barkany a, Ikram El Abbassi b, Abdel Moumen Darcherif b,
Morad Mahmoudi a,b
a
Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Techniques Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, B.P. 2202 - Route d’Imouzzer - Fez, Morocco
b
ECAM-EPMI, 13 Boulevard de l’Hautil, Cergy Pontoise Cedex 95092, France

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Like all industrial sectors in Morocco, the electricity network is facing challenges due to energy demand
Available online xxxx growth, and environmental protection requirements. Therefore, in 2009, a new Moroccan energy strategy
has been adopted to respond to the sustainable development revolution. Its main objectives are to pro-
Keywords: vide sufficient and reliable energy to the country with minimum costs and impacts on the environment.
Smart grid Smart Grid (SG) is one of the aspects that can ensure the success of such strategy. Its implementation
Energy management helps ensuring more efficient energy and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by adapting produc-
Renewable energies
tion to demand while reducing consumption, integrating renewable energies (RE), and using advanced
Smart energy systems
Moroccan grid
communication and control technologies. Through this article, we will study the existing state of the
Moroccan network, along with its potential of RE, as well as the obstacles and barriers to smart grid
development in Morocco. Finally, we will propose solutions and strategies for deploying smart grids in
the Kingdom. In which it is necessary to introduce intelligent measurement and analysis systems, to rein-
force the regional and international interconnections and promote energy storage. In the alternative,
Morocco needs to complete the regulatory framework for open and transparent access to the low-
voltage system, particularly by harmonizing authorizations and tariff structures.
Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Fourth edition of the
International Conference on Materials & Environmental Science.

1. Introduction
Morocco leads the North African region in energy import,
despite being the only country in the region without natural oil
resources. The country is challenged to meet growing local demand
while controlling its import bills. Indeed, this has proved a serious
problem, as the increase in consumption figures and world raw
material prices, placing financial pressure on the country. There-
fore, energy independence, reform and further liberalization of
the sector and its pricing mechanisms may be the ideal solution
[1].
Since 2009, Morocco has been committed in a sustainable
development and RE strategy. With no petroleum reserves, Mor-
occo is well suited to achieve these goals, particularly the develop-
ment of carbon-free energies, especially solar, wind and
hydroelectricity. Due to its unique geographical and geological
position, northeastern Morocco, blessed with natural sunshine
and geothermal resources, has seen several projects take off. Those
projects were launched for the last few years at the national level
with a focus on RE sources confirm that there is a transition in the
energy sector. They help reducing the dependence of the sector on
fossil fuels, which are subjected to wide fluctuations [2]. The main
objectives of this strategy are to ensure security of supply and
access to optimized energy prices, mobilize domestic energy
resources, including the country’s significant RE potential, promote
energy efficiency, and integrate Morocco into the regional energy
system while protecting the environment, and prioritizing the
development of RE.
The paper takes the following structure. Section 2 describes the
present state of the Moroccan network. Section 3 overviews the
potential of RE sources in Morocco. Then, Section 3 outlines the
barriers facing the development and implementation of smart
grids in Morocco, some solutions are also proposed to facilitate
the SG implementation. Finally, Section 4 presents the conclusion.

⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: meryem.meliani@usmba.ac.ma (M. Meliani).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.03.176
2214-7853/Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Fourth edition of the International Conference on Materials & Environmental Science.

Please cite this article as: M. Meliani, A. El Barkany, I. El Abbassi et al., Smart grid implementation in Morocco: Case study, Materials Today: Proceedings,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.03.176
M. Meliani, A. El Barkany, I. El Abbassi et al.
2. Moroccan power system and planned evolution
The electricity network in Morocco has a well-connected trans-
mission system with 3000 km of 400 kV lines, 9680 km of 225 kV
lines, almost 147 km of 150 kV lines, and around 12 000 km of
60 kV lines [3]. This network was built fifty years ago and is a mix-
ture of old and new technologies. Most network components are
obsolete and continue to age due to stresses such as extreme tem-
peratures, vibrations, water infiltration and damage caused by civil
engineering construction. Such problems make the distribution
system vulnerable and dangerous to Morocco’s industry and the
environment.
Electricity demand in Morocco has grown by an average of
about 5% per year in the last five years and it is estimated to
increase by 7 to 8.5% per year over the next ten years [4]. In
2011, electricity consumption was 28.8 TW h, 8.4% higher than
the year before [5]. Therefore, the demand for electricity has more
than doubled from 16 TWh in 2002 to 34 TWh in 2014. Due to this,
energy production in Morocco increased by 6 to 7% per year
between 2002 and 2012 to meet this rising demand. In 2015, the
total installed capacity of the country is 8154 MW, with 34% of
RE with the following mix: Carbon (32%), natural gas (11%), hydro-
power (22%), fuel oil and diesel (24%), solar (2%) and wind (10%)
(See Fig. 1) [3–6]. According to Morocco’s Ministry of Energy,
Mines, Water and Environment (MEMEE), it is estimated that the
future demand for primary energy could attain 26 Mtoe (million
tons of oil equivalent) in 2020 and 43 Mtoe in 2030 [6].
3. Renewable energy potential in Morocco
Morocco has the potential to lead the MENA (Middle East and
North Africa) region in the RE sector. Limited conventional hydro-
carbon resources, high energy imports from other countries to
cover its energy demand. The Moroccan government’s historical
reliance on imported fossil fuels and rapidly increasing demand
for electricity have boosted the development of RE in Morocco
and have proven to be stable.
Morocco has the most ambitious RE targets in the MENA region,
committing to increase RE production to 42% of its electricity gen-
eration by 2020 and 52% by 2030. Steps are being taken to match
the supply and demand for primary energy, which is growing by
5% per year, driven by electricity demand, which is increasing at
a fairly steady annual rate of more than 6%, through the develop-
ment of new power generation capacity, which is expected to
increase the installed capacity to 25,000 MW in 2030 [7].
Today, Morocco’s renewable electricity system is highly diversi-
fied and includes a mix of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power
plants. Table 1 shows the total installed and planned capacity in
2018 and 2020, respectively. The Kingdom of Morocco is currently
considered one of the leaders in the global energy transition, par-
Fig. 1. Plan of electricity sources from 2015 to 2030.
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Table 1
Total installed capacity in 2018 and in 2020 [8].
Type of power plant 2018 capacity (MW) 2020 capacity (MW)
Solar 710.8 2000
Wind 1220 2000
Hydro 1770 2000
ticularly in Africa, with several programs to generate electricity
from renewable sources [8].
3.1. Solar power
Morocco has taken advantage of its geographical position and
its environment to take the lead in the field of RE, especially solar
energy. The average incident solar radiation varies between 4.7
and 5.6 kWh/m2/day with a total number of sunshine hours rang-
ing from 2700 h/year in the North of Morocco to more than 3500 h/
year in the South.
In 2009, the Moroccan Solar Plan was launched as a very ambi-
tious project. A number of solar power plants have been planned
and scheduled for installation as part of it. MASEN was created
specifically to implement these projects. Its mission is to imple-
ment all projects related to the national energy strategy and to
coordinate and supervise all other activities related to this initia-
tive. However, the project would save 1 million ton of oil equiva-
lent and 3.7 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Within the
framework of the Mediterranean Solar Plan, the Ouarzazate plant
has received European co-financing. The Ouarzazate global project
includes four power plants: Noor 1, Noor 2, Noor 3 and Noor 4 with
different technologies. Noor 2 has a capacity of 200 MW based on
parabolic mirror technology, and 7 h of storage. Noor 3 has a capac-
ity of 100 MW equipped with a solar tower, and more than 7 h of
storage. Noor 4, based on PV technology, has a capacity of 72 MW,
while Noor 1, has a capacity of 160 MW and is currently among the
largest concentrated solar thermal parabolic cylinder power plants
(CSP) in the world [8–9].
3.2. Wind power
Morocco’s favorable geographical location gives it a significant
wind energy potential, estimated at about 6,000 MW [10]. Most
of the windiest regions of Morocco are located in the extreme
north, on the Strait of Gibraltar side, in the Tangier-Tetouan region,
the Essaouira region, the South Atlantic area from Tarfaya to
Lagouira, and the Taza corridor between the Atlas and Rif moun-
tain ranges. The wind field is characterized by average wind speeds
above 8 m/s for the windiest regions [11].
As part of its energy strategy, Morocco implemented an ambi-
tious wind energy program to promote the deployment of RE. This
M. Meliani, A. El Barkany, I. El Abbassi et al.
program plans to extend its wind energy installed capacity to
2,000 MW by the end of 2020 and to increase this capacity to
2,600 MW by 2030.
The most important project of the wind energy program is the
giant Tarfaya wind farm, which is operational. The biggest project
of wind energy on the African continent. In 2015, the total capacity
300 MW of the park was injected. Besides the production of elec-
tricity, the wind program also includes the industrial integration
of the wind energy sector, along with the promotion of R&D and
technical training in this field. This program also comprises the
manufacturing of equipment for wind farms in the national indus-
trial fabric in order to enhance and support its impact on the
national economy in general and the development of wind energy
in particular [12].
3.3. Hydropower energy
According to Morocco’s new energy strategy, 14% of the coun-
try’s energy production will be generated from hydropower by
the end of 2020. Since Morocco has four perennial rivers and
numerous dams with hydroelectric potential, estimated at more
than 5000 GW h/year [13]. Hydroelectric capacity installed will
increase from 1,730 MW in 2008 to 2,000 MW in 2020, through
implementation of new hydroelectric dams and a pumped energy
transfer station (PETS).
Currently, Morocco has a hydroelectric production capacity of
1,770 MW, of which 464 MW is in PETS mode. This capacity can
really be achieved only when water reservoirs reach their maxi-
mum capacity. To the contrary, Morocco is a semi-arid country.
The other element that must be considered in hydraulics in Mor-
occo is irrigation. Thus, the turbine to generate electricity depends
to some extent on irrigation needs. However, all over the world,
hydropower production is always below the level dictated by
existing installed capacity. For example, in 2011, hydroelectricity
production is strongly decreasing, with only 2.2 TWh as compared
to 3.7 TWh in 2010, when there was abundant rainfall. The PETS
that are built or under development are expected to act as a stor-
age mechanism for solar and wind energy [12]. In the meantime,
Morocco plans to construct around 60 large dams during the next
twenty years; however, the majority of them are expected to be
used for water resource management, rather than power
generation.
Fig. 2. Concept of a SG..
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Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
4. Challenges of SG implementation in Morocco
SG is an electricity network that uses computer technology to
adjust the flow of electricity between suppliers and consumers.
By collecting information on the state of the network, SGs help
to match production, distribution and consumption. Fig. 2 present
the concept of a SG. For distribution, Morocco has adopted SCADA
as a management tool at the regional level. One can consider this as
an initial step toward a Moroccan SG.
The implementation of SGs has several objectives. First of all, it
aims to reduce the impact of the electrical system on the environ-
ment. Second, it seeks to raise awareness among users and make
them more active in relation to their electricity consumption,
while enabling them to control it effectively. This intelligent sys-
tem also aims to develop decentralized electricity production.
4.1. Challenges and strategies to set up a SG in Morocco
The Moroccan government are developing new regulations to
address the country’s energy transition. New projects are planned,
and generation capacity will keep increasing to meet growing
demand, but RE are just part of a SG. The SG requires extensive
control and monitoring, information and communication technolo-
gies, advanced metering infrastructure, distributed generation,
customer-side systems, and EV charging infrastructure.
The first challenge concerns transmission and distribution
levels; indeed, the loss rate has reached 14.7% in 2014, so it is
important to minimize these losses in order to secure the network.
This percentage has been increasing since 2004, when it was only
around 5%. Therefore, to reduce the losses, an extensive monitoring
network must be put in place. Regarding the transmission infras-
tructure, more lines are deployed at the level, while the metering
infrastructure is still relying on conventional (electromagnetic)
meters. Obviously, an AMI should be implemented. For example,
according to Law 58–15, the integration of low-voltage REs neces-
sitates a metering infrastructure that allows utilities to charge cus-
tomers accordingly and set up a specific tariff system [14]. A
second main challenge for electricity distribution in Morocco is
related to environmental and climatic conditions caused by long
land distances, huge forests, winter seasons and the high number
of overhead lines [15]. These challenges require advanced auto-
matic solutions for rapid fault management and long-term net-
work forecasting. As a result, the ONEE set up a new, modern
and more efficient national distribution control center called ‘‘Dis-
M. Meliani, A. El Barkany, I. El Abbassi et al.
patching” in 2008. This new system, which is located in the city of
Casablanca, controls in real time and under different conditions,
between changes in power generation facilities and a constant
increase in national demand. Another major problem is that the
majority of the electrical energy produced in the grid cannot be
stored. Therefore, the SG is essential for correlating electricity pro-
duction with demand [16]. The evolution of SG is an important
condition for moving from a unidirectional to a bidirectional sys-
tem, which allows to act on demand and to adapt consumption
partly to the existing production capacities. SGs are designed to
improve the control of the electrical system throughout the value
chain, from producer to final user. By making part of consumption
(industrial and household) depending on the available production,
they reduce demand peaks and thus the maximum production
capacity in a given geographical area. Likewise, it is also possible
to schedule certain equipment (e.g. electric vehicles) to receive
energy when there is a given overproduction [17].
By introducing energy management systems (EMS) and
dynamic pricing, significant improvements in energy efficiency
could be achieved and the use of locally produced RE could be opti-
mized. The country should implement social awareness initiatives
to support the use of distributed generation. The importance of SG
should also be outlined and the various demand response (DR) pro-
grams need to be explained to the public in order to illustrate the
benefits that customers can get from the installation of an AMI.
Another challenge in implementing SG is security. The country
have to provide the most secure network possible for its customers
so that they can trust public services and share their private data.
5. Discussion
Considering these challenges and strategies, it can be concluded
that SG implementation in Morocco cannot be achieved within a
few years. There are major energy challenges for the country,
where Morocco should meet its growth in electricity demand,
reduce its CO2 footprint, and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.
Therefore, it is necessary to proceed step by step, taking in consid-
eration the SG’s characteristics and framework, within a proper
planning.
The integration of SG represent an important element to reduce
electricity distribution losses, which represent 12% of the global
production in 2011. Furthermore, it would enable the kingdom to
enhance the efficiency of its power supply, strengthen predictive
maintenance and control an emerging electrical uses such as elec-
trical vehicle recharging.
However, as below we summarized the most discussed and
cited challenges in the literature [18]:
 Market Uncertainty: Due to uncertain revenues and an insuf-
ficient market base, private investment is discouraged.
High investment and lack of financial resources: The installa-
tion of a SG requires considerable investment. Investors aren’t
interested to invest in SG systems as long as universal standards
are not adopted and the return on investment is not ensured.
Lack of regulatory framework: Traditional regulation needs to
be changed to motivate utilities to fund SG projects.
Awareness and Public Engagement: A SG can only be beneficial
if customers are aware of its concept.
The absence of innovation in the industry: Companies are not
eager to innovate. They are afraid to integrate new technologies.
Technological immaturity: SG technologies are still immature
and norms need development and maintenance.
Limited expertise and technical knowledge: There is a lack of
training and technical personnel required for deployment and
operation, particularly for intra-network control applications.
4
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Need for an advanced two-way communication system: Two-
way communication links may be damaged by natural disasters,
man-made accidents and international attempts.
Cybersecurity and data confidentiality: SG communication
technologies and user data are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
6. Conclusion and perspectives
Since the 2009 national energy strategy, Morocco has made the
transition to RE an important priority. After 2020, the Moroccan
government established an ambitious long-term objective for RE
by meeting 52% of the total installed capacity by 2030, benefiting
from the country’s high potential for solar and wind energy, along
with the hydropower contributions, therefore demonstrating a
long term engagement. In order to reach the ambitious 2030 target,
Morocco needs to adopt several strategies and measures. These
include modernizing the power grid by introducing intelligent
metering and analysis systems, reinforcing regional and interna-
tional interconnections, and promoting energy storage. Otherwise,
the kingdom should complete the regulatory framework for open
and transparent access to the low-voltage system, particularly by
harmonizing authorizations and tariff structures. It is also impor-
tant to encourage local research in order to adapt international
experience to local requirements in terms of recharging systems
and use; to stimulate local production of electric vehicle
components.
Meanwhile, it is important to encourage research and innova-
tion in all RE applications, strengthen the coordination of energy
R&D programs between government, universities and agencies,
and enhance the Kingdom’s energy innovation ecosystem through
the development of collaborations between industries and
universities.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Meryem Meliani: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing -
original draft. Abdellah El Barkany: Project administration, Formal
analysis, Writing - review & editing, Validation. Ikram El Abbassi:
Project administration, Formal analysis, Writing - review & editing,
Validation. Abdel Moumen Darcherif: Project administration, For-
mal analysis, Writing - review & editing, Validation. Morad Mah-
moudi: Supervision, Formal analysis, Writing - review & editing,
Validation.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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