Electricity Production and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: What Role Does The Energy Mix Play? A Comparative Analysis of Morocco and France

Laboratory of Applied Economics, Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences Agdal, Mohammed V University Rabat, Morocco

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Published online: 3 February 2026

Abstract

As Global greenhouse gas emissions are largely driven by electricity production, decarbonising this sector is key to achieving sustainable development goals. The carbon profile of national grids is largely determined by the composition of their energy mixes. This paper compares Morocco’s and France’s carbon intensity rates between 1990 and 2023, highlighting the implications of their divergent national electricity strategies for decarbonisation. France’s sustained reliance in nuclear power has enabled it to maintain a low baseline level of emissions, further reinforced by the strong integration of renewable technologies. In contrast, Morocco remains heavily anchored in fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas dominating its energy mix, even though the gradual development of solar and wind resources is slowly reshaping its profile. The analysis shows that France continues to record one of the lowest carbon intensity rates in the world, while Morocco remains constrained by its ongoing dependence on fossil fuels, making it difficult to achieve deeper reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The comparison between the two countries reinforces the urgency of acceleration renewable deployment, improving energy storage capacities, and implementing long-term harmonized policy frameworks to guide both nations particularly Morocco toward low-carbon and resilient electricity infrastructures.