Why does Morocco import much of its energy despite having hydroelectric potential?

Morocco faces a significant shortage of domestic energy sources, which necessitates the importation of the bulk of its energy requirements, primarily in the form of crude oil. While the country possesses considerable hydroelectric potential that is currently being tapped, this capacity is not sufficient to meet the nation's growing energy needs on its own.1

Consequently, the country relies heavily on thermal power plants to produce the majority of its electricity. Although Morocco has been progressively damming its streams for hydroelectricity, irrigation, and flood control since the 1930s, these efforts remain part of a broader energy strategy that must balance domestic production with significant imports to sustain the economy.12