Morocco hastens energy transition

Expiry of gas supply contract validates a recent uplift in renewables targets

The Moroccan delegation could walk the halls of the Cop26 climate change summit this month with something of a swagger: a report released during the Glasgow gathering rated the kingdom fifth in the world for climate protection—behind only a quartet of wealthy northern Europeans—reflecting the 40pc-plus share of renewables in its energy mix, combined with concrete plans to go further. A week earlier, however, came a reminder that the roots of the green conversion lay less in environmental radicalism than in energy insecurity as Algiers terminated a 25-year gas supply agreement with Morocco in light of mounting political tensions. The impending cut-off has galvanised previously stalled Morocca