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This weekend the FIA Formula E Championship will race on the African continent for the first time.
The streets of Marrakesh in Morocco is the setting for this landmark occasion, with the Circuit Moulay El Hassan the venue for what promises to me a memorable occasion.
As well as providing thrilling on-track entertainment, Formula E is always conscious to demonstrate how global sporting events can be run in a sustainable manner. And while Morocco – and Marrakesh in particular – might not suffer from some of the chronic air pollution issues that some of our host cities experience, there are nevertheless some compelling reasons while encouraging an uptake in electric car usage would be a sound idea.
In terms of air quality, the pollution level in Marrakesh is rated as moderate, at 77.88 on the AQI (Air Quality Index). This is mainly due to the narrow streets in the medina, which many people gain access to by motorbikes, causing the fumes to stay at street-level.
The UN Climate Conference – COP22 – is taking place in Marrakesh from November 7-18. Some of the world’s most pre-eminent climatologist, politicians and industry leaders will be in attendance.
While Morocco is already a relatively low emitter of greenhouses gases, in 2009 it made an ambitious place to produce 42 per cent of its electricity by renewable sources. And with 300 days of sunshine each year and wind speeds of 9 m/s along the coast, the potential for renewable energy is high.
The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex was put into its first phase in February 2016, and is estimated to save 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year and produce 2000 MW of energy.
Morocco was one of the first countries to sign the Kyoto Protocol, which is binding agreement reduce greenhouse gases. But despite this, only the USA consumes more plastic bags. As tourism is one of Morocco’s most important industries, every year it plants over 2 million palms trees to counteract the effects of tourist travel and golf courses.
Renault, the reigning two-times Formula E teams’ champions have a strong presence in Morocco, controlling around 35 per cent of the new car market. It’s factory in Tangiers is expected to produce around 270,000 cars this year and acts as a hub for the region. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is the world’s largest producer of electric cars, with the Renault Zoe the best-selling EV is Europe, and the Nissan Leaf holding that honour in the rest of the world.
Renault – along with Schneider Electric and M2M – recently announced a plan to build the first electric cars in Morocco as part on an aim for 10 per cent of the market to be all-electric by 2030. Further details will be announced at COP22. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is supply a fleet of electric cars to COP22 and has provided a network of 20 charging points across the city.
Last week, the first rapid charging point was installed in Morocco, located in a service station on the road between Casablanca and Marrakesh.
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