NEWS RELEASE
July 21, 2022
USTDA Supports Morocco’s First Smart Grid Deployment
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Régie
Autonome de Distribution d’Eau et d’Electricité de Marrakech (RADEEMA), Marrakech’s
electricity and water utility, for a feasibility study to transform the power distribution
infrastructure in Marrakech into a smart grid. The project is the first of its kind in Morocco and
will serve as a model for other Moroccan cities. Washington, D.C.-based Africa Climate
Solutions will perform the study.
“USTDA is partnering with RADEEMA and like-minded utilities around the globe to lay the
foundation for a clean energy future,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Smart grids are
an important component of USTDA’s climate-smart infrastructure portfolio. They improve
power sector efficiency and facilitate the integration of renewable sources of power, including
rooftop solar, into the grid. Our support for this activity reflects USTDA’s commitment to
advancing smart and sustainable energy solutions in partnership with overseas partners and U.S.
industry.”
USTDA’s study will define the technical, economic, and regulatory framework for the proposed
project and develop an implementation plan to guide the deployment of smart grid infrastructure
in Marrakech. The project will help reduce technical and non-technical losses and the frequency
and duration of power outages in Marrakech and support the integration of renewable energy
sources into its grid.
“We are honored to be the recipient of USTDA’s grant for the smart grid feasibility study.
Thanks to this project, RADEEMA will contribute to achieving the objectives of our national
energy strategy to integrate renewable energy while reducing losses on the network,” said Nadia
el-Hilali, General Manager of RADEEMA.
“This project is a great example of the value that U.S. government expertise can bring by
connecting American companies with Moroccan partners to further support Morocco’s ambitious
clean energy goals,” said Lawrence M. Randolph, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in
Morocco. “We are pleased to support this project with our colleagues at USTDA.”
This activity supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure
and Investment and USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which
connects U.S. industry to major clean transport and energy infrastructure projects in emerging
markets.
