Morocco-Spain launch energy transition projects through joint innovation program

Morocco and Spain continue strengthening scientific and technological cooperation in renewable energy through two new projects selected under the INNO-ESPAMAROC ENERGY call for proposals. The fourth edition,announced at the 5th World Power-to-X Summit,mobilized 3 million dirhams in global financing supporting collaborative renewable energy,green technology,and water-energy nexus desalination initiatives,reported Maroc Diplomatique news platform.

The Solar Energy and New Energy Research Institute (IRESEN) partnered with Spain’s Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) to evaluate projects through scientific and strategic steering committees. Selected initiatives demonstrate the joint commitment of Morocco and Spain to transforming research results into concrete solutions contributing to global energy transition while consolidating both countries’ industrial competitiveness.

IRESEN Director General Samir Rachidi told the media that “through INNO-ESPAMAROC ENERGY,we reaffirm that collaborative innovation and technology transfer constitute decisive levers for accelerating energy transition and solidly positioning Morocco and Spain as strategic partners in the global green molecules economy.”

The first selected project,E-PAVE,valorizes road infrastructure by transforming it into renewable energy sources. The system integrates electrospun piezoelectric membranes directly into asphalt to capture vehicle traffic-generated energy while maintaining pavement durability and resistance. This technology combines nanotechnology with recycled materials offering scalable solutions with technical and economic viability. The consortium includes Mohammed VI Polytechnic University,Hassan II University of Casablanca,Aïn Chock College of Sciences,and FOX Transport company.

The second project,STDSCWG,focuses on sustainable drinking water access in arid zones and regions with limited freshwater supplies. This renewable energy-powered desalination system automatically adjusts parameters to optimize performance,limit losses,and reduce costs. The Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute serves as scientific partner while Harmony Technology provides industrial partnership.

Beyond scientific and technological dimensions,these initiatives generate concrete results across multiple domains including innovative exportable solutions,enhanced energy sovereignty,strengthened Moroccan-Spanish industrial competitiveness,and new training and employment perspectives for highly qualified workforces.

The fifth edition of the World Power-to-X Summit,held in Marrakech October 1-2,brought together 2,000 attendees from 40 countries and 125 speakers who addressed what organizers termed the global “hydrogen gap” between ambition and implementation.

On the sidelines of the event,Moroccan officials and several international stakeholders highlighted the Kingdom’s potential in developing the green hydrogen sector. Morocco aims to turn its natural resources and strategic geographic position into key assets to attract investment and build a competitive value chain in the green hydrogen industry.