In 2008, when global oil prices hit record highs, Morocco—which imports most of its power—saw energy costs nearly double, to roughly ＄9 billion annually. Soon after, King Mohamed VI issued a royal command making the development of alternative energy a top priority. He also put a legal framework in place to encourager European investment and has managed to limit instability in a region known for political confusion.

　　Another advantage for Morocco: geography. The sun over the Sahara is far stronger than it is in Europe. But what distinguishes the country from its neighbors is that it is close to Spain. The two countries are separated by less than 16 km at some points, and they’re connected by an energy transmission line. Currently the line sends energy from Spain to Morocco, but it could work both ways, and analysts say the line’s existence gives Morocco an advantage over its neighbors for access to the European market.

　　Getting a position in that market may take some time, however, due to a shortage of funding. By 2020, Morocco hopes to invest several billion dollars in solar-thermal power and use to technology to greatly increase its energy production. But unlike, say, wind power, which is economically competitive with fossil fuels, solar-thermal often is not, despite financial support from various international institutions. Analysts say the costs of solar-thermal will come down, eventually.

　　1. The main purpose of the passage is to tell readers __________.

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