In this second case study we present a review of the major energy sector problems of Morocco, and examine the contribution of modeling to the study and the subsequent implementation of a number of policy reforms. The individual models that were used in Morocco have already been discussed (linear programming models for refineries at the subsectoral level, in chapter 6, and a sector-wide pricing model using LOTUS 1-2-3, in chapter 10); the emphasis in this chapter is on how they were used in the policy analysis process, and the institutional problems that needed to be addressed for a modeling effort to become useful. Moreover, Morocco was one of the first countries to introduce microcomputers for comprehensive energy planning, and the experience of the past decade illuminates both the problems, and the opportunities and potential of energy policy modeling.

A brief institutional history

As in so many places, energy modeling was introduced as a component of a bilateral technical assistance project to a Ministry of Energy. Furthermore, as also common to a number of other countries, the successes and failures of energy modeling are closely linked to the resolution of institutional problems.

The technical assistance in question was provided under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project was launched in the early 1980s, and had as one of its central features the establishment of an independent Planning and Documentation Service (SPD) within the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM); indeed, the creation of this unit was one of the conditions posed by USAID for the Technical Assistance project to go forward.