Africa’s Nuclear Frontier: Morocco’s Bold Step Toward a Low-Carbon Tomorrow
Morocco is emerging as a frontrunner in Africa’s energy transition, actively evaluating nuclear power as a strategic means to diversify its energy mix and secure long-term energy independence. As the nation grapples with evolving energy demands amid rapid economic growth and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions, nuclear energy offers a promising pathway to provide stable, low-carbon baseload power. With the world’s largest phosphate reserves—accounting for approximately 70–73% of global reserves and containing an estimated 6.9 million tons of recoverable uranium—Morocco possesses a unique natural resource advantage that could underpin a self-sufficient nuclear fuel cycle, significantly reducing reliance on external imports.
Development of Morocco’s Nuclear Power Plant Project
Over the past decades, Morocco has made substantial strides in nuclear research, regulatory framework development, and infrastructure planning. Early feasibility studies, conducted with support from SOFRATOME, the IAEA, and other international organizations, identified the Sidi Boulbra region—strategically located between Safi and Essaouira—as a promising site for a nuclear power plant. IAEA experts validated this selection as early as 1994, and subsequent studies between 2002 and 2005 reaffirmed the project’s technical, economic, and safety viability. Although initial delays were attributed to the competitiveness of coal, a relatively small national grid, and gaps in legal and physical infrastructure, Morocco has steadily advanced its preparatory measures.
Morocco continues to refine its nuclear energy plans, focusing on Generation III reactor technology, cost assessments, and grid integration. The Sidi Boulbra site remains under evaluation per IAEA recommendations, and since 2015, the Committee for Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Development (CRED) has overseen nuclear infrastructure assessments using the IAEA’s milestones approach.
In December 2023, an IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission assessed Morocco’s nuclear and radiation safety framework. The IRRS team recognized Morocco’s regulatory progress, highlighting AMSSNuR’s efforts in stakeholder communication, safety regulations, and the development of a GIS-based application for tracking facilities and radioactive sources, accessible to the Ministry of Interior for emergency response.
Morocco’s Uranium Potential from Phosphates:
Morocco holds 70–73% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves, a crucial resource for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals. Beyond its agricultural applications, these reserves contain an estimated 6.9 million tons of uranium. According to the Middle East Institute, Morocco has the potential to become a "global giant in producing essential uranium material," with uranium reserves estimated to surpass Australia’s by threefold. This positions Morocco as a future cornerstone of the global uranium supply chain, with the capacity to support international energy security and domestic nuclear energy ambitions.
Uranium can be economically extracted as a byproduct during phosphoric acid production using proven solvent-extraction technologies. The OCP Group, Morocco’s leading phosphate producer, has been researching uranium extraction since the 1980s in collaboration with international partners. By leveraging this resource, Morocco could establish a self-sufficient nuclear fuel cycle, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening its energy security.
Institutional Framework Supporting Morocco’s Nuclear Program
Morocco has established a robust institutional framework to support its nuclear power ambitions, comprising key governmental organizations:
Office National de l’Électricité et de l’Eau Potable (ONEE) – Oversees power generation, transmission, and distribution. Leads feasibility studies, site evaluations, and contractual processes for the future NPP.
Moroccan Nuclear Safety and Regulatory Body (AMSSNuR) – Established in 2015 under Nuclear Law No. 142-12, AMSSNuR functions as an independent authority overseeing nuclear safety and security.
National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Sciences, and Techniques (CNESTEN) – Operates the Maâmora Nuclear Research Centre, housing a TRIGA Mark II research reactor and specialized laboratories for nuclear research.
Moroccan Pre-NEPIO (CRED) – Formed in 2009, CRED evaluates Morocco’s nuclear infrastructure based on IAEA guidelines and identifies gaps to facilitate safe and secure NPP deployment.
Morocco’s Regional Leadership in Nuclear Science and Technology:-
Morocco is a leader in Africa’s nuclear sector, particularly in education, research, and regulatory capacity building. CNESTEN has been designated as Africa’s first IAEA International Center based on the Research Reactor (ICERR), signifying Morocco’s advanced expertise in nuclear training and research.
Additionally, AMSSNuR, in collaboration with the IAEA, has established the African School for Radiation Safety Regulators, providing training to nuclear regulators across Africa. Morocco has extended technical expertise to over 40 African countries, strengthening nuclear safety, radiation protection, and regulatory frameworks.
Beyond regional leadership, Morocco has been instrumental in international nuclear diplomacy, serving as the penholder for the G77 resolution on nuclear desalination, an initiative promoting nuclear technology for potable water production in water-scarce regions.
Nuclear Energy for Water Desalination and Green Hydrogen:-
With per capita water availability declining from 2,560 cubic meters in 1960 to 620 cubic meters in 2020, Morocco is exploring nuclear-powered seawater desalination as a sustainable solution. In July 2023, Morocco signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rusatom Smart Utilities, a subsidiary of Rosatom, during the Russia-Africa Summit. This agreement focuses on utilizing nuclear technology for desalination and water purification.
Additionally, Morocco’s National Hydrogen Strategy vision by 2050 outlines ambitious plans to meet projected hydrogen demand of 14–30 TWh by 2030 and 156–307 TWh by 2050, with nuclear power as a potential energy source for electrolysis. By positioning itself as a future exporter of green hydrogen, Morocco aims to integrate nuclear energy into its broader decarbonization efforts.
Future Outlook for Morocco’s Nuclear Energy Program:-
Morocco is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive decision-making process. Preparatory measures include detailed technical, economic, regulatory, and safety studies that are designed to inform policymakers and ensure a well-grounded final decision on the potential deployment of nuclear power plants. The government is also actively modernizing its grid development plan to accommodate the expected integration of nuclear capacity and exploring opportunities for nuclear-powered seawater desalination.
While no final decision has yet been reached regarding the deployment of nuclear power plants, Morocco’s strategic vision, underpinned by comprehensive preparatory measures and international collaborations, positions the nation on a strong trajectory toward adopting nuclear energy. It remains one of 17 nations actively evaluating nuclear energy, as noted by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. With robust investments in research, regulatory development, and infrastructure modernization, Morocco is poised to make a well-informed decision that could not only enhance its energy security but also establish the country as a key supplier of nuclear fuel on the global stage.
Morocco’s endorsement of the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy at COP28 further reinforces its commitment to clean energy and climate goals. This pledge, backed by over 20 nations, recognizes the role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero emissions and highlights the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in decarbonizing various sectors.
With vast uranium resources, a growing regulatory framework, and increasing international collaboration, Morocco is poised to become a significant player in Africa’s nuclear energy future. Continued advancements in infrastructure and policy suggest that nuclear power could soon play a central role in Morocco’s energy strategy.
The upcoming Africa Nuclear Business Platform (AFNBP) 2025, set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from April 22 to 24, will be a critical forum for policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to shape this future. With projections indicating that the continent could add up to 15,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2035—a market potential estimated at around $105 billion—African governments are increasingly turning to nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon alternative to address persistent electricity deficits. Morocco is on track to become part of this transformation, leveraging its nuclear ambitions to play a leading role in Africa’s energy transition.
