System modelling for the global energy transition
Morocco evaluates long-term contributions to strategic energy planning with the help of the DLR framework REMix – Successful cooperation in the MOREMix project exemplary for similar collaborations worldwide
To shape the national energy transition, the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (Ministère de la Transition Énergétique et de Développement Durable; MTEDD) is using scientific models for energy system modelling, which have been developed in close cooperation with the Institute of Networked Energy Systems and are geared towards the country-specific expansion potential of solar and wind energy. The models provide reliable information on the basis of which sound political measures for the national transformation process can be derived. The collaboration is therefore an outstanding example of successful knowledge transfer in the field of global energy transition between Germany and Morocco and a model for similar collaborations worldwide.
The cooperation is part of the MOREMix (Energy Systems Analysis for Morocco) research project. The primary objective of the project is to support Morocco on its way to a sustainable energy system that favours renewable energies as well as hydrogen and its derivatives. This is being done in close cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für international Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and GIZ Maroc. The direct exchange with German experts has made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening expertise in the field of energy system analysis, which will provide further impetus for the implementation of the Moroccan energy transition. To this end, an interdepartmental team was formed within the Ministry MTEDD for the first time, which will be able to evaluate and develop long-term contributions to strategic energy planning in Morocco with the help of the REMix framework.
Open scientific models (open source and open data) for analysing energy systems have been created and used as part of the cooperation. On this basis, scenarios were developed under close scientific supervision and their effects on the entire Moroccan energy system were simulated. The Ministry MTEDD was actively involved in the process of analysing the energy system. Scientists from the Institute of Networked Energy Systems offered regular workshops and training sessions in which they familiarised the Moroccan project participants with the use of the models developed. This not only enabled technical knowledge to be transferred, but also strengthened expertise in dealing with complex energy system analyses. In addition, the knowledge of the Moroccan partners is important for the continuous further development of the models.
The direct dialogue – for example at a delegation meeting in Stuttgart in December 2024 – offered both sides valuable opportunities for an in-depth exchange of experiences. Among other things, it provided detailed insights into technologies, solutions and strategies that are already being used on the German side in the areas of sustainable energy and climate protection. "This exchange has given the team from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of the Kingdom of Morocco a better understanding of how we can adapt and apply these practices in Morocco," summarised GIZ Maroc after the meeting and emphasised: "We now feel better prepared to further advance the energy transition in our country"
As part of the MOREMix project, several initiatives were taken beyond the delegation meetings to train Moroccan experts in the field of hydrogen technologies (so-called Human Capacity Development / HCD, i.e. the targeted development of specialist skills). In July 2024, for example, a "Hydrogen Summer School" was held in Ben Guerir, Morocco, at which researchers from the institute introduced Moroccan scientists and students to the latest developments in hydrogen technologies and their use in the energy system. Another Winter School followed in Rabat in November 2024.
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