A simulation of the economic impact of renewable energy development in Morocco

In this paper we identify the renewable energy source (RES) demand scenarios for Morocco, the needs of RES installed capacity according to those scenarios and the detailed investment plans needed to achieve such installed capacity supply. Then, using a dynamic variant input–output model, we simulate the macroeconomic impact of the foreign investment inflows needed to make available these Moroccan RES generation capacity plans in the medium and long term. The use of concentrated solar plants, photovoltaic generation and wind power farms are considered and compared in the simulation. - Highlights: ► An evaluation of RES economic impact in Morocco from 2010 to 2040 is simulated. ► Different scenarios about import dependency and energy exports have been considered. ► The impact on GDP range from 1.21% to 1.99%. ► The impact on employment range from 269 to 499 thousand jobs. ► The alternative that produces most benefits would be the installation of windmills.