A global rise in renewable and clean energy sources has occurred in recent years. More than one-fifth of the world’s energy is already generated from these sources. Latin America has been leading the way on this front, with 20% of the region’s energy being generated in these ways. Although in Africa the figure is only 12%, one country wants to lead the charge. In Morocco, the government set an ambitious target. By 2020, they wish for 42% of the country’s energy to be generated from renewable sources. Given that currently 95% comes from imported fossil fuels, this may seem optimistic. But recent ingenious ways of using green energy sources make the fulfilment of these targets a distinct possibility. This is more than simply environmental concern. Morocco’s government subsidises fossil fuels to the tune of $1-4bn each year. The need to save public funds, and the desire to reduce negative environmental impact go hand-in-hand, and ensure that the clean energy revolution in Morocco drives forward.
Solar power in Morocco’s hammams
The hammam has been a key part of Moroccan culture for centuries. In the past, the only means of lighting them was by the sun. Tiny windows would be created in the roof, with special glass covering them. However, this glass-making craft declined, and electric lights replaced them. However, in Fez, the sun is returning. Thanks to work by Dr Magda Sibley, an architectural researcher at the University of Manchester, UK, the old ways have come back – sort-of. Glass bulbs still adorn the ceilings, but with an ingenious twist. During the day, these act like windows, allowing the sun’s light into the hammam. At night, they are solar-powered LED bulbs. In this way, the hamaam once again uses the power of the sun, and creates little environmental impact. The Moullay Idris and Seffarine hammams in Fez have already adopted this technology. It will not be too long before other hammams, all over the country, follow suit.
The biogas lights of Fez
Fez is somewhat of a trendsetter in Morocco’s clean energy drive. Already home to two hamaams using solar technology for lighting, Fez pioneers another lighting technique. Fez is home to over a million people, and the vast city requires large amounts of power to keep it switched on at all times. A new bioelectrical powerplant is using the city’s waste in order to create the energy that the bustling metropolis needs. Already this generates more than 30% of the energy needed to power the street lights. As the capacity increases, there should be enough energy generated to feed into the city’s general electrical grid.
