EIB signs technical assistance partnership with ONCF to support adaptation of its railway activity to climate change.
On October 9, 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the National Office of Railways (ONCF) of Morocco signed a technical assistance partnership agreement to support the development of a climate resilience and adaptation strategy for the Moroccan railway network.
This agreement marks a new step in the long-standing collaboration between the EIB and ONCF to strengthen transport infrastructure in Morocco while addressing the growing challenges of climate change. The objective of this partnership is to support ONCF in anticipating climate risks, designing adaptation solutions for rail infrastructure and improving the resilience of the network to extreme weather events.
In this context, a first objective will be to assess the climate risks to which the Moroccan railway network is exposed, taking into account meteorological phenomena such as extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, strong winds and erosion. Subsequently, it will be a question of developing adaptation solutions dedicated to the most vulnerable areas and infrastructures in order to reduce the risks of damage. Finally, a long-term strategy will be developed to strengthen the resilience of the network, thus reducing future costs related to climate damage and operational interruptions, while improving the sustainability of the Moroccan railway network.
This technical assistance will use recognized climate risk assessment methods, such as the methodology for classifying infrastructures according to their vulnerability and proposing adapted solutions to strengthen their resilience. The collaboration will last 24 months, with deliverables including detailed maps, vulnerability analyses and technical recommendations.
For the EIB, the climate bank of the European Union (EU), this partnership with the ONCF is part of a global approach aimed at promoting more sustainable transport infrastructure, aligned with Morocco’s climate objectives and the national strategy for reducing carbon emissions by 2050.
“This partnership with ONCF represents a strong commitment by the EIB to support Morocco in its energy transition and the adaptation of its infrastructure to climate change,” said Ioannis Tsakiris , EIB Vice-President. He added: “The rail sector, which emits up to 80% less CO2 than road transport, is crucial to achieving the country’s climate objectives. With this technical assistance, we hope to strengthen the resilience of the Moroccan rail network, for a safer and more sustainable future.”
“This partnership with the EIB is part of ONCF’s stated desire to continue its adaptation strategy for efficient and resilient infrastructure, thereby consolidating the role of rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility,” concluded Mr. Mohamed Rabie Khlie, Director General of ONCF.
The EIB has been a privileged partner of Morocco for over 40 years. It finances the development and implementation of key projects in essential sectors of the Moroccan economy such as business support, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, health, transport and renewable energy.
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