Morocco is changing how new fuel stations are approved, introducing a standardised licensing process that also encourages developers to incorporate renewable energy into station designs. The new framework, issued by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, will take effect on 31 October 2026 and move applications onto a digital platform, with clearer procedures for document checks, field surveys, technical assessments and final approvals. A key feature of the new framework is the invitation for investors to meet some or all of a fuel station’s electricity needs with renewable energy. Developers can consider self-generation, such as solar panels installed on station canopies and buildings, or purchasing renewable electricity through appropriate contracts. Projects incorporating renewable energy will also benefit from coordinated review by relevant government departments, although they will remain subject to the normal regulatory requirements.
The policy also creates room for electric and hybrid vehicle infrastructure at fuel stations. As Morocco expands EV adoption, existing fuel stations can increasingly become multi-energy mobility hubs, combining conventional fuels with EV charging and renewable electricity. This connects the licensing reform to Morocco’s broader effort to increase renewable energy in its electricity mix, with a target of 52% renewable capacity by 2030.
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Beyond the energy transition, the reform is also intended to make the fuel-station investment process more predictable. By digitising applications and clarifying the sequence of technical and administrative reviews, Morocco is seeking to reduce uncertainty for developers while encouraging new stations to integrate cleaner energy technologies from the design stage. The result could be a gradual shift from conventional petrol stations towards renewable-powered mobility sites that can also support Morocco’s growing EV market.
