Energy sources diversification, a priority to secure supply, minister

Energy supply security is a major priority for Morocco that is implementing a diversification policy to secure various energy sources, said Moroccan energy and mining minister, Mohamed Boutaleb at a conference on "World Energy prospects: consequences for Morocco."

The diversification policy is paramount given that Morocco's energy consumption will go up from 11.4 to 17 million of tons of oil equivalent (TOE) by 2015, while electric power generation will increase from 18,000 to 35,000 GWH, he said at the conference here Monday.

The government has incepted several projects to diversify energy sources, Boutaleb said adding the projects include the Jorf Lasfar natural gas terminal (347 km south of Rabat, The Essaouira wind power park (442 km south) and The Ain Beni Mathar solar power plant (500 km East).

He added the government also carried out other projects to meet the needs of the country's economy, recalling that the general access to electricity program is to provide power to 34,500 villages by 2007.

Boutaleb said incentive measures were taken to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises, including a 35% power bill cut, low butane gas prices, VAT suspension for butane gas and other fiscal measures regarding coal and oil imports. The minister said the government delivered 72 permits for oil exploration and signed 5 reconnaissance contracts.