Between the end of November and the beginning of December 2023, our international training team was on a mission in Tetouan to boost the energy transition in Northern Morocco through the transfer of technical skills to the municipalities of Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Mdiq, and Martil.

The project aims to contribute to the energy transition process, working on two main lines of action:

• Strengthening the capacities of technicians from the 4 municipalities in photovoltaic energy.
• Promoting an exchange of good practices in energy transition among municipalities, focused on both individuals and companies.

Currently, the municipalities of the Tangier, Tetouan Al Hoceima region face the challenge of improving their energy management in terms of savings and efficiency. The project planned capacity-building activities for municipal technicians from four municipalities in the region and members of the ANMAR Federation.

In the training sessions, various aspects were covered such as the preliminary evaluation of solar installations, as well as the assembly, installation, and maintenance of these systems.

Furthermore, an exchange of good practices in renewable energy and energy efficiency among municipalities associated with ANMAR was promoted, marking an important step towards the region’s energy sustainability.

Originally, the training was planned for a single photovoltaic installation. However, this initiative expanded to include two installations, aiming to strengthen the knowledge of local technicians, as well as the presence of renewable and local energy sources in public buildings. Theoretical and practical sessions were conducted, including visits to municipal buildings, reporting, and assembly and commissioning work for the two photovoltaic systems at two dependencies of the Tetouan City Council.

These predominantly practical trainings were especially valuable for municipal technicians, who already had a foundation in electricity and needed to expand their specific knowledge in terms of photovoltaics.

The participants, technicians from various municipalities in the area, were the protagonists of this training project. This diversity enriched the experience, allowing an exchange of knowledge and experiences among municipalities. The activities focused on Tetouan, but the project’s impact is expected to extend throughout the region.

A notable aspect of this project was the use of local Moroccan suppliers for the purchase of materials, a decision made to contribute to boosting the national economy of the sector and its autonomy. Additionally, collaboration with the local partner ANMAR was essential for the coordination and success of the project.

This project was funded by Barcelona Solidaria, reflecting a strong and productive bond between Spain and Morocco in terms of sustainable development. The ultimate goal of this initiative was to train Moroccan technicians in photovoltaic technologies, with the vision that these projects could be replicated in other parts of the country.

This transfer of knowledge is expected to have a lasting impact, not only in reducing energy dependence but also in promoting regional autonomy and sustainable development.

Azimut World: cooperation and development area