By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – Eswatini’s renewable energy sector has received a significant boost as officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, led by Principal Secretary Lindiwe Mbingo, embarked on a knowledge-sharing visit to Morocco from December 16 to 20, 2024. The visit, facilitated by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) and the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), aimed to enhance Eswatini’s capacity to implement sustainable energy solutions.
This initiative forms part of a broader bilateral cooperation framework between Eswatini and Morocco, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The visit is a critical step toward Eswatini’s goal of diversifying energy sources and achieving a 50% renewable energy mix by 2030.
Morocco has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, driven by its ambitious National Energy Strategy, which aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Central to this strategy is MASEN, a state-owned agency responsible for overseeing solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects. MASEN also fosters partnerships with academic institutions and private investors and facilitates training programs to equip local technicians with the necessary skills to manage renewable energy systems.
Learning from Morocco’s Success
During the five-day visit, the Eswatini delegation toured several landmark renewable energy sites. At the Noor Power Station in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s largest solar plant with a capacity of 580 MW, the delegation observed the integration of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic technologies. They described the facility as a benchmark for efficient and sustainable energy production.
In Laayoune, the delegation visited a photovoltaic solar plant with an 85 MW capacity, while in Tangiers, they explored a wind farm that generates 140 MW of clean energy using advanced wind turbine technology. These visits provided hands-on exposure to Morocco’s cutting-edge technologies and operational expertise in renewable energy production.
The delegation also held technical discussions with MASEN officials, who shared insights into project financing, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Moroccan officials emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating renewable energy development and outlined innovative policies that foster a conducive investment environment.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The visit concluded with Morocco offering Eswatini a range of capacity-building opportunities. MASEN extended invitations to Eswatini’s energy technicians to participate in specialized training programs at its facilities. Moroccan experts also expressed readiness to assist Eswatini with project development, feasibility studies, and policy formulation.
Plans are underway to formalize this collaboration through a technical cooperation agreement. This agreement will outline specific areas of partnership, including knowledge transfer, skills development, and joint renewable energy projects.
Eswatini energy stakeholders have welcomed the collaboration, noting that Morocco’s success offers valuable lessons for addressing Eswatini’s energy challenges. Officials emphasized that leveraging Morocco’s expertise would help accelerate Eswatini’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy sector.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing international partnerships to support renewable energy development. The lessons learned from Morocco’s approach will be instrumental in shaping Eswatini’s energy policies and advancing its sustainable energy agenda.
By embracing innovative technologies and fostering international cooperation, Eswatini aims to position itself as a regional leader in renewable energy within Southern Africa, contributing to national development and global efforts to combat climate change.
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