Could nuclear energy one day power the Maghreb?

The Maghreb’s energy transition is a complex but critical journey towards sustainability and decarbonization as countries aim to meet their Net Zero targets, could nuclear energy present a viable option? The region has set some very ambitious clean energy goals and remains one of the most dynamic areas for wind and solar power projects.

You only need to look at satellite images of Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (OSPS), also known as the Noor Power Station, which is in Southern Morocco. It is an awe-inspiring complex, home to the world’s largest concentrated solar powered plant generating 510 MW. In fact, Morocco stands out as the regional leader in renewable energy, topping the Maghreb countries in the 2024 Global Energy Transition Index as it looks to increase renewable energy’s share of electricity production to 52% by 2030. And, it’s seeing some good results already, with coal usage declining from 70% to 64.46% over the last year.

Morocco is not alone, Tunisia, Algeria, and neighboring countries, Libya and Mauritania, are embracing major energy transition changes. As the global push towards decarbonization intensifies, the Maghreb knows it is smart to adopt renewable energy sources, enhance energy infrastructure, and explore new technologies to reduce carbon emissions. 

So, does this include nuclear power too?

Egypt is currently leading the way in nuclear energy with its $30 billion El Dabaa nuclear project, involving the construction of four reactors in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom. While South Africa, remains the only African nation with an operational nuclear power station, there are now discussions ongoing between the IAEA and Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and most recently Morocco. The Electricity Hub website reported this week that Morocco is in the earliest phase of nuclear energy development, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) placing the kingdom among ten African nations still conducting feasibility studies, with no political commitment yet made to launch a civilian nuclear program.

Obviously, the continent’s growing interest in nuclear technology is also attracting major international players, including France’s EDF, Korea’s KEPCO, Russia’s Rosatom and China’s CNNC, which alone, last year, launched seven new reactor projects globally.

While it’s early days for the region, the knowledge that Morocco’s phosphate reserves contain an estimated 6.9 million tons of uranium means it has the potential to become a "global giant in producing essential uranium material," according to the Middle East Institute. This positions Morocco as a future cornerstone of the global uranium supply chain, with the ability to support international energy security and domestic nuclear energy ambitions.

For now, Morocco’s nuclear future remains hypothetical, but ever more relevant amid regional energy shifts and global climate targets.

*Kieran Baker is an Emmy award winning journalist who has started up various networks including Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg TV Africa and TRT World.