Latest news with #MoroccoWorldNews
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Trina Solar Eyes Morocco as Key Market in African Solar Expansion
Chinese solar manufacturer Trina Solar is seeking to expand its presence in Morocco as a priority market as part of its growth strategy in North Africa, citing the country's aggressive renewable energy goals and supportive government policies as key opportunities. Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) at the Africa Energy Forum, held from June 17-20 in Cape Town, South Africa, Zaheer Khan, Trina Solar's Regional Director for Southern Africa, pointed out Morocco's strategic importance to the company's continental growth plans. Zaheer Khan, Trina Solar's Regional Director for Southern Africa 'Morocco's got quite aggressive targets for renewable energy by 2030 and numerous subsidies as well that are available in the market, which make it a very viable target segment for us,' Khan said. Trina Solar, one of the world's top three solar module manufacturers with global sales of 60-70 gigawatts last year, has established a strong African presence. The company supplied over one gigawatt of solar equipment across the continent in the past year and claims the number one market share in South Africa. Strategic partnerships and projects The company has positioned staff across key African markets, including Morocco, where Khan's colleague, based in the country, has identified promising opportunities, including a target of clean energy of 50% of electricity production by 2030. These also include Morocco's phosphate giant OCP's program of a 2GW solar project to reduce its carbon footprint, of which 200MW is already installed, as well as the country's huge solar projects, including Noor Midelt 1, 2, and 3 in addition to Noor Ouarzazate. Khan spoke of several projects being promoted by MASEN, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, as particularly noteworthy prospects for Trina Solar's involvement. Beyond large-scale installations, Trina Solar sees potential in Morocco's solar pumping sector. Khan noted that 'the Moroccan government is also trying to promote moving some of the grid-connected solar pumping to off-grid, ideally solar pumping solutions.' This shift aligns with Trina Solar's diversified product portfolio, which extends beyond solar panels to include battery energy storage systems and tracker technologies. The company recently demonstrated its storage capabilities with a successful 350-megawatt-hour battery energy storage project in Egypt. Continental vision Khan also expressed optimism about expanding battery solutions throughout Africa, building on recent North African successes. 'Soon we hope to expand our battery solutions throughout the African continent and continue our success in this region,' he said. With offices in Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco supporting operations across East, West, and North Africa, respectively, Trina Solar appears well-positioned to capitalize on the continent's growing renewable energy demand. The company's focus on Morocco reflects broader recognition of the country's leadership in renewable energy development, supported by government incentives that Khan described as making the market particularly attractive for international solar manufacturers. Morocco is setting a goal to achieve 52% energy production through clean, renewable sources by 2030, an ambition designed to boost the North African country's sustainable development goals.
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Chinese Energy Giant CHINT Deepens Africa Commitment with Localized Strategy
Chinese smart energy provider CHINT is accelerating its commitment to Africa's energy transition through a localization strategy that spans manufacturing, renewable energy projects, and grid infrastructure development across the continent. Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN) at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, Tina Wu, CHINT's Deputy General Manager for West Asia & Africa Business Headquarters, outlined the company's comprehensive approach to supporting Africa's energy transformation over more than two decades of operations. Tina Wu, CHINT's Deputy General Manager for West Asia & Africa Business Headquarters Wu described the continent 'as a very important market' for its firm's global development, adding, 'We hope that we can bring more localization here.' She spoke of CHINT's evolution from a Chinese component manufacturer to a global energy solutions provider. Founded 41 years ago, CHINT began with low-voltage components before expanding into medium and high voltage equipment, and eventually renewable energy solutions. Today, the company operates across more than 140 countries, offering integrated services from renewable generation, battery storage, power transmission and distribution, to industrial power systems. In Africa, CHINT has established a significant presence across over 30 countries during its 20-year regional journey. The company's strategy centers on 'one-stop solutions to the power grids, renewable energies as well as many industry and power systems,' Wu noted. The localization commitment is evident in CHINT's infrastructure investments. The company operates three subsidiaries in Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, complemented by offices in Algeria, Tunisia, and South Africa. Most notably, CHINT has established manufacturing facilities in Egypt, Kenya, and Uganda, demonstrating its commitment to local production and job creation. 'The more deep local decision is our strategy that we hope can be a part of the local cultures, and part of the local social development,' Wu explained, pointing out how localization enables greater contribution to African development. In North Africa, CHINT maintains active operations across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, with particular focus on grid modernization and renewable energy deployment. Wu noted that the company has been 'accepted by local grids and local key partners' throughout the region. Morocco represents a key market for CHINT's North African operations, where the company has participated in several significant infrastructure projects, and expand the distribution channel. The company's comprehensive service offering — spanning renewable generation, battery storage, transmission and distribution, and industrial power systems — positions it as a one-stop solution provider for Africa's complex energy challenges. As African nations accelerate their renewable energy adoption and grid modernization efforts, CHINT's localized manufacturing and service capabilities offer a strategic advantage in delivering cost-effective, culturally-adapted energy solutions across the continent's diverse markets. Tags: AfricaAfrica Energy Forum (AEF)ChintenergyMorocco
Morocco World
21-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
India's Modi to Visit Morocco in July, Meeting with King Mohammed VI Planned
Marrakech – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Morocco in early July as part of a five-nation diplomatic tour. The visit to Rabat will mark the first stop in Modi's extensive journey spanning Africa, Latin America, and West Asia. According to Economic Times, the visit to Morocco has been in preparation for several years but was repeatedly postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Modi is expected to meet with King Mohammed VI during his stay in Rabat. Morocco holds strategic importance for New Delhi as an emerging security and economic partner in North Africa. The Indian newspaper describes Morocco as 'one of the key Arab states with a growing economy, and strong outreach in West Africa and southern Europe.' Other Indian media outlets went further, referring to the North African country as a 'strategic partner' with rising regional influence. In a May interview with Morocco World News (MWN), a senior diplomat from the Indian embassy in Rabat characterized the relationship as 'built on trust, shared ambitions, and a long-standing sense of mutual respect.' The diplomat stressed that 'India and Morocco share a time-tested and resilient partnership built on deep mutual respect, strategic convergence, and shared quest for the well-being and prosperity of our citizens.' The diplomatic tour comes shortly after Modi's recent re-election as India's prime minister. The visit aims to strengthen India's leadership position within the Global South and build a broader anti-terror coalition following the Pahalgam attack in India. The talks between Modi and the Moroccan monarch are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in several key sectors. Priority areas include energy, cybersecurity, smart agriculture, and African logistics chains. This planned meeting shows India's intention to broaden its influence beyond Asia, with Morocco positioned as a first-tier partner for the coming years. In late 2024, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of India's Tata Group, established a robust foothold in Morocco through a landmark defense production agreement. The partnership centers on locally manufacturing Wheeled Armoured Combat Vehicles (WhAP 8×8) and developing a regional hub for defense mobility equipment, exemplifying the growing South-South cooperation that both countries aim to advance in the defense sector. After Morocco, Modi will continue his tour with visits to Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jordan. His stop in Brazil on July 6-7 will coincide with the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he may meet with several global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. The BRICS Summit will address six priority areas under Brazil's chairmanship: reform of global governance, climate change, climate financing, global health, artificial intelligence, and economy and finance. Brazilian Ambassador to India Kenneth F. Haczynski da Nóbrega noted that the summit would produce a joint statement and specific declarations on climate change financing and artificial intelligence governance. The timing of Modi's visit comes just days after King Mohammed VI extended condolences to India following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. In his message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the Moroccan sovereign expressed 'deep affliction' over the disaster that claimed at least 270 lives, offering 'sincere condolences and feelings of solidarity and compassion' to the president, the bereaved families, and the 'friendly Indian people.' Tags: King Mohammed VImorocco indiaNarendra Modi
Morocco World
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Gnaoua Festival Kicks Off with a Parade Full of Color, Rhythm, and Soul
Essaouira – Today marked the spectacular kickoff of the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, and Essaouira rose to the occasion with a heartbeat all its own. The medina transformed into an open-air stage as the Gnawi parade 'à la marocaine' spilled into the streets, drawing locals, tourists, and lovers of music into a living, breathing celebration of culture and spirit. The Gnaoua artists presence alone could command silence — if not for the hypnotic pulse of the krakebs and guembri that followed him. Dressed in a deep navy tunic embroidered with gold, El Kasri led with a quiet authority and timeless energy that stirred even the most jaded smartphone holders into real-time reverence. And then came the voice. Gliding into the rhythm with grace and power was Moroccan songstress Abir El Abed, adding a celestial layer to the deeply grounded Gnaoua beats. Draped in jewel-toned silks that fluttered with every step, she moved through the procession like poetry — equal parts fire and water. Her voice, soft and sharp in all the right ways, floated above the percussion like a blessing. They weren't alone. Troupes of maalems — each representing a different city, lineage, or school of Gnaoua — marched alongside, radiating individuality through their traditional attire. From flamboyant purples to desert ochres and seafoam greens, the color palette was as diverse as the rhythms. Some wore cowrie-covered hats, others clutched talismans passed down generations. One moment you were clapping to the beat; the next, you were caught in a trance. The crowd? An eclectic blend of generations and geographies. Elderly men in djellabas nodded with recognition at ancestral songs. Gen-Z fashionistas filmed TikToks with krakebs in hand. French, Spanish, and American tourists clapped to beats they didn't know but felt deep in their bones. It wasn't just a parade. It was a pulse. And Morocco World News was right there in the middle of it all, gathering all of the moments. Whether you're on your couch in Casablanca or tuning in from Tangier, consider us your front-row pass to everything this weekend has to offer. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and style deep-dives. The maalems are the soul of this festival — so if you've ever wondered how it feels to carry a musical legacy through centuries, or how Gnaoua mixes with jazz and soul, you'll want to stay tuned for our conversations with them. . So comment away. Want spiritual insight? Want to know what everyone's wearing? Dying for a soundbite from backstage? You dream it, we'll chase it. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is officially in full swing — and trust us, you don't want to miss a beat. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Morocco World
20-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Turkish Company Shows Interest in Morocco's LNG Market as Bridge to Energy Transition
Cape Town — As Morocco accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, Turkish company Karpowership is positioning itself as a strategic partner to help bridge the country's energy needs through innovative floating liquified natural gas (LNG) solutions. Ali Hjaiej, Karpowership's Vice President of Sales for Africa, outlined the company's vision for Morocco during an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the second day of Africa Energy Forum, which is being held from June 17-20 in Cape Town, South Africa. Hjaiej explained how floating power generation could complement the North African country's ambitious green energy goals. 'Morocco is taking a leader place in terms of renewable energy in the region in North and West Africa with huge projects in solar, wind, and wherever,' Hjaiej noted. However, he stressed that thermal power generation remains 'mandatory' to ensure a sustainable energy mix with reliable baseload capacity. Karpowership operates floating power plants installed on barges, offering what Hjaiej describes as a 'plug and play full value chain of LNG to power.' The company currently serves over 17 countries worldwide, including 10 African nations, and leads energy generation in West Africa with a capacity of more than 1,700 MW. Hjaiej noted that timing appears strategic for Morocco, which is awaiting the completion of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline — a major regional infrastructure project designed to supply reliable natural gas to the country — or any other gas projects. He believes that his company's floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) are an ideal transition solution for Morocco. 'Some alternatives can be proposed by Karpowership with a floating regasification and storage unit,' he explained. 'This can be a bridge solution till the pipeline will be ready for the next years.' The floating approach offers distinct advantages over traditional infrastructure, according to Hjaiej. Unlike fixed pipelines that tie countries to specific suppliers, LNG solutions provide flexibility to 'buy gas from East or the West wherever who can offer the best offer for the country.' This flexibility aligns with Morocco's broader energy security strategy. The North African country has been diversifying its energy sources while building one of Africa's most ambitious renewable energy programs, including massive solar projects like the Noor complex in Ouarzazate. Karpowership's technology utilizes high-efficiency combined cycle reciprocating engines capable of running on multiple fuel types, including liquid fuel, natural gas, and LNG. The modular nature of the floating plants allows for rapid deployment and scalable capacity adjustments based on demand. 'The combination of floating solution to deliver gas for the country and the pipeline as a long-term solution can be the best alternatives for Morocco today,' Hjaiej pointed out, focusing on how the approach could provide immediate access to reliable gas while longer-term infrastructure develops. As Morocco continues balancing its renewable energy leadership with baseload power requirements, Karpowership believes its floating LNG solutions represent a pragmatic approach to energy transition in the country — offering the reliability needed today while supporting Morocco's green energy vision for tomorrow. The country has ambitious plans to supply its energy demands from renewable energy, aiming to reach at least 52% of installed energy capacity from renewable energy by 2030, with reports indicating that it has a capacity of 45%. Tags: karpowershipLNG MoroccoMorocco energy
