Assessing EIA Methods for Renewable Energy Projects in Moroccan Atlas Context: An Overview for African Settings

This Policy Brief focuses on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for renewable energy projects in Morocco's Atlas region and aims to provide insights applicable to African settings. A literature review was conducted to analyse existing EIA methodologies applied to renewable energy projects in Morocco's Atlas region. Data from these studies were synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of EIA methods. Qualitative data collection techniques, such as stakeholder interviews and community surveys, revealed significant concerns about local environmental impacts, while quantitative analysis indicated that project developers underestimated water resource requirements by up to 30%. The findings highlight the need for a more robust EIA framework that includes detailed hydrological assessments and enhanced public participation mechanisms. Developers should incorporate advanced hydrological models into their EIA processes, and governments must enforce stricter oversight of renewable energy projects to mitigate potential environmental risks.