In a significant move during the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday, December 4, in Rabat, His Majesty King Mohammed VI appointed Zouhair Chorfi as the President of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE). This appointment, made on the proposal of the Head of Government and at the initiative of the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, highlights the Sovereign’s commitment to advancing Morocco’s energy sector.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Energy Regulation
In addition to the appointment, His Majesty outlined His High Guidelines for a transformative overhaul of ANRE. The directive aims to reshape the authority into a National Regulatory Authority for the Energy Sector. This ambitious vision entails revising the relevant laws and broadening the authority’s scope to encompass not just electricity but the entire spectrum of energy components. These include natural gas, new energies such as hydrogen and its derivatives, as well as the critical areas of production, storage, transport, and distribution.
Objectives of the Transformation
The transformation of ANRE aligns with several key objectives:
- Establishing a Robust Regulatory Framework: ANRE is to evolve into an independent, powerful institutional tool capable of addressing the complexity and maturity of Morocco’s energy sector. This transformation builds on the substantial reforms and structural projects initiated under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King.
- Adopting International Best Practices: The revised framework aims to align Morocco’s energy regulatory practices with global standards. Integrated regulation of the energy sector will enhance synergies between energy systems and expedite the nation’s energy transition.
- Capitalizing on Morocco’s Experience: Morocco’s recent experiences with ANRE, which stand out among comparable countries, provide a strong foundation for this transition. Leveraging this expertise will enable the authority to effectively manage the expanded regulatory spectrum.
- Expanding the Scope of Regulation: The transformed ANRE will oversee the full value chain of the energy sector, including electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, and other emerging energies. This comprehensive approach ensures regulation spans production, storage, transport, and distribution.
Enhancing Morocco’s Energy Leadership
The Sovereign’s strategic vision underscores Morocco’s determination to consolidate its leadership in energy transition and regulation. By integrating advanced regulatory mechanisms and aligning with international standards, Morocco positions itself as a model for emerging and developed nations alike. This initiative also reflects His Majesty’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and energy security for the Kingdom.
Zouhair Chorfi’s appointment and the associated reforms signify a pivotal step towards realizing this vision. With a robust regulatory framework and expanded authority, Morocco is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the global energy landscape while championing innovation and sustainability in the sector.
