World Bank backs $265 M Morocco pump‑storage project as Slovenia launches renewable‑energy sharing scheme

The World Bank approved a US$265 million loan to finance a 300 MW pump‑storage hydro plant near Chefchaouen in northern Morocco. The facility will store excess solar and wind power by pumping water uphill and generating electricity during peak demand, aiming to integrate at least 1 GW of new renewables and cut annual CO₂ emissions by roughly 1.7 million tonnes. Construction is expected to create about 820 direct jobs, with the state utility ONEE and the African Development Bank co‑financing the project.

Starting 1 July 2026, Slovenia will permit households with surplus electricity from local renewable sources to share it with other consumers through a new 15‑minute settlement system. The scheme, announced by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, allows excess solar output to be credited to another customer’s bill, while network fees and taxes remain based on actual consumption. Energy suppliers may see reduced sales volumes and will need to adapt their planning and billing systems.