German Climate Technology Initiative (DKTI I)
Project description
Title: German Climate Technology Initiative
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB); German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Morocco
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment (MEMEE)
Overall term: 2013 to 2017
Context
In 2009, Morocco adopted a national energy strategy, which it aims to realise by 2020. The strategy pursues the expansion of renewable energy and an increase in energy efficiency to reduce the country's heavy dependency on imports of fossil fuels and achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
The intention is to provide a sustainable way to ensure the supply of energy in the long term amid sharply rising demand. Alongside wind energy, the promotion of solar energy is a cornerstone of Morocco's energy strategy. The German Climate Technology Initiative (DKTI) supports efforts to step up research, development and vocational education and training. It also promotes sector-specific companies and the local economy at the plant locations.
Objective
The knowledge and skills base for climate-friendly renewable energy technologies among Moroccan companies and research institutions and within the training and employment sector is strengthened.
Approach
Since October 2013, the DKTI I project has been making effective contributions in three areas of activity.
Private sector development. The project provides information and training programmes in relation to solar technologies, cooperation opportunities and international markets. It has worked closely with business associations to establish a coaching network that has association support. International and national information networks are being expanded and the conditions for business development in the energy sector are being improved.
Vocational education and training. The establishment of vocational training centres specialising in the field of renewable energy (instituts de formation aux métiers des énergies renouvelables et de l’efficacité énergétique, IFMEREE) is being supported from a didactic, technical and organisational perspective. The project funds measures to equip the solar workshop and other training workshops at the vocational training centre in Oujda, the first of a total of three centres that have been planned. In addition, the project is supporting the establishment of a partnership between IFMEREE S.A. and a German solar training institute to facilitate a more in-depth exchange of experience and knowledge transfer. Training programmes that deal with solar technology and other topics, such as wind power, biogas and energy efficiency, are being developed and implemented.
Research in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Advice and training are enabling key actors such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Training, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy and universities to produce a strategy for research and development that is in line with the state of research. Among other aspects, this includes advice on introducing efficient regulations for the promotion of science and participation in international invitations to tender. Advice is also provided on taking part in international research programmes and investing in university research equipment. The operationalisation of the solar test platform is supplemented by advice, training and exchange programmes with other test platforms and the partial funding of laboratory equipment. These measures are supported by German equipment suppliers and also involve training in specific techniques, including the development of test standards.
Results
Within the framework of a solar cluster, the DKTI I project is already enabling 11 efficient Moroccan companies to identify market opportunities at an early stage and develop and offer competitive products and services. The companies are increasing their ability to innovate, which puts them in a better position to participate in the development of the Moroccan solar market.