Morocco introduces new renewable energy requirements for fuel stations

Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development has announced new regulatory requirements for the establishment of new fuel stations, effective August 31. Under these new rules, project holders are directed to study ways to cover all or part of their electricity needs through renewable energy sources, such as solar power, starting from the design phase.

To facilitate this transition, the Ministry will review project studies to identify optimal solutions for installing solar panels, such as using canopies, roofs, or parking spaces. Projects that include self-production facilities for renewable electricity or demonstrate energy cost reductions through renewables will be reviewed by a joint committee comprising representatives from the Directorate of Hydrocarbons and the Directorate of Renewable Energies.

The new framework also establishes unified rules for calculating the minimum distances between new and existing fuel stations, both within and outside urban areas. This is intended to ensure consistency in field research and respect investor rights while adhering to traffic regulations. These measures align with Morocco’s broader national strategy to transform fuel stations into sustainable facilities capable of supporting the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles.