Regional Development Assessment and Policy Perspectives on Urban Residential Energy Efficiency Program in Morocco by 2030

Abstract

Energy efficiency has emerged as a crucial focal point in global agendas, being recognized for its pivotal role in combatting climate change, bolstering energy security, and fostering economic growth. Governments worldwide are formulating ambitious targets and enacting comprehensive strategies to optimize energy utilization across various sectors. This involves the formulation of policies, provision of incentives, and facilitation of collaborations to encourage energy-efficient practices, ultimately steering towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future. Notably, the residential sector stands as a pivotal component in these efforts due to its substantial share of energy consumption. This paper evaluates the strategic vision of Morocco concerning energy efficiency within the residential sector from its inception to the projected initiatives up to 2030. The analysis focuses on the current iteration of thermal regulations and its implications. Although specific numerical outcomes are not discussed herein, the implementation of these regulations is observed to yield notable benefits, including reductions in energy bills and gains in annual primary energy. These advantages are estimated to result in a substantial decrease in final energy consumption, equating to significant savings for end-users. Additionally, to cover the expenses associated with building repairs and thermal enhancements, an extra fee is levied, varying based on building typology and climatic region. Despite this additional investment, the associated costs typically exhibit a favorable payback period, on average, underscoring the efficacy of regulatory and profitability measures in driving energy efficiency within the residential sector. This paper examines Morocco’s strategic approach to energy efficiency in the residential sector, focusing on its thermal building regulation RTCM (Moroccan thermal regulation on construction). Energy efficiency is recognized as essential for reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, enhancing energy security, and lowering costs. Using simulation models across six climatic zones and three residential building types, the study highlights RTCM’s significant impact—achieving national energy savings between 39% and 68%. Despite added costs for thermal improvements, the measures show favorable payback periods, confirming RTCM’s strong energy and economic performance and its potential role in shaping future policies.