The Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) ‘s second quarter of 2023 (Q2-2023) figures show sales worth MAD 653 million ($64.2 million) with 12.2 million passengers served, demonstrating the train’s widespread appeal.
The business has experienced a “steady” growth of 34% in Q2-2023, compared to Q2-2022, the company reported in the press release announcing its second quarter earnings.
In order to jump-start the following development cycle, the press release highlighted the company is accelerating studies to extend the existing rail network.
Additionally, ONCF has achieved a new milestone in its energy transformation ambitions by raising the proportion of green energy in its electrical mix from 25% to 60% over the entire national rail network, and by making a strong commitment to a brighter, greener future, and a cleaner economy, the company stated on its website.
This accomplishment in the energy transition is consistent with King Mohammed VI’s plan to accelerate the large-scale deployment of renewable energy by 2030.
Moreover, this project seeks to increase energy independence, lower energy prices, and establish the kingdom as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As of January 1, 2022, both high-speed shuttle trains (TNR) and mainline trains (Al Atlas) on the conventional Tangier-Casablanca route are now powered by green energy in addition to the Al Boraq trains, which have been operating on clean energy since that date.
Similarly, all freight trains operating in the Tangier Med port are powered by clean energy, strengthening the country’s position in terms of logistical competitiveness as well as advancing and promoting high-potential industries like the automotive industry.
This strategic decision allows for the company to significantly save on energy bills and carbon footprint mitigation for rail operations, reinforcing the Board’s vision and resolve in its green transformation, which is to avoid 135,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent by the end of 2023.
The benefits are similar to planting 3.8 million trees as CO2-absorbing sinks or lessening the impact of 730 container trucks traveling daily between Casablanca and Tangier-Med port.
