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Increasing global energy demand and the need to transition to sustainable energy sources to mitigate climate change, highlights the need for innovative approaches to improve the resilience and sustainability of power grids. This study focuses on addressing these challenges in the context of Morocco's evolving energy landscape, where increasing energy demand and efforts to integrate renewable energy require grid reinforcement strategies. Using renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems and energy storage technologies, this study aims to develop a methodology for strengthening rural community grids in Morocco.
Traditional reinforcement measures such as line and transformer upgrades will be investigated as well as the integration of power generation from photovoltaic systems, which offer a promising way to utilise Morocco's abundant solar resources. In addition, energy storage systems will be analysed as potential solutions to the challenges of grid stability and resilience. Using comprehensive data analysis, scenario planning and simulation methods with the open-source simulation software Panda Power, this study aims to assess the impact of different grid reinforcement measures, including conventional methods, photovoltaic integration, and the use of energy storage, on grid performance and sustainability. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a more resilient and sustainable energy future in Morocco.
Based on a rural medium-voltage grid in Souihla, Morocco, three scenarios were carried out to assess the impact of demand growth in 2030 and 2040. The first scenario focuses on conventional grid reinforcement measures, while the second scenario incorporates energy from residential photovoltaic systems. The third scenario analyses the integration of storage systems and their impact on grid reinforcement in 2030.
The simulations with energy from photovoltaic systems show a reduction in grid reinforcement measures compared to the scenario without solar energy. In addition, the introduction of a storage system in 2030 led to a significant reduction in the required installed transformer capacity and fewer congested lines. Furthermore, the results emphasized the role of storage in stabilizing grid voltage levels.
In summary, the results highlighted the potential benefits of integrating energy from photovoltaics and storage into the grid. This integration not only reduces the need for transformers and overall grid infrastructure but also promotes a more efficient and sustainable energy system.
Purpose
Although recent literature has examined diverse measures adopted by SMEs to navigate the COVID-19 turbulence, there is a shortage of evidence on how crisis-time strategy creation behaviour and digitalization activities increase (1) sales and (2) cash flow. Thus, predicated on a novel strategy creation perspective, this inquiry aims to investigate the crisis behaviour, sales and cash flow performance of 528 SMEs in Morocco.
Design/methodology/approach
Novel links between (1) aggregate wage cuts, (2) variable operating hours, (3) deferred payment to suppliers, (4) deferred payment to tax authorities and (5) sales performance are developed and tested. A further link between sales performance and cash flow is also examined and the analysis is conducted using a non-linear structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
While there is a significant association between strategy creation behaviours and sales performance, only variable operating hours have a positive effect. Also, sales performance increases cash flow and this relationship is substantially strengthened by e-commerce digitalization and innovation.
Originality/value
Theoretically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first inquiries to espouse the strategy creation view to explain SMEs' crisis-time behaviour and digitalization. For practical purposes, to supplement Moroccan SMEs' propensity to seek tax deferrals, it is argued that debt and equity support measures are also needed to boost sales performance and cash flow.