Morocco’s green hydrogen potential

Morocco is blessed with an abundance of solar and wind resources, making it an ideal location for green hydrogen production. According to the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco’s total renewable energy potential is estimated to be around 528GW, with wind energy accounting for 352GW, and solar energy accounting for 176GW. These resources could be harnessed to produce green hydrogen, which could then be used to power various sectors of the economy, including transport, industry, and residential.

Morocco has substantial potential for green hydrogen production, thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources and favorable geographic location. The country is one of the sunniest places in the world, with an average of 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. Morocco also has significant wind resources, particularly along its Atlantic coast, which provide an excellent source of wind power.

Morocco has set a target of achieving 52% renewable energy by 2030, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. The country has already made significant progress towards achieving this goal, with the construction of several large-scale solar and wind power projects, such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, and the Tarfaya Wind Farm.

The abundant renewable energy resources in Morocco can be harnessed to produce green hydrogen, which is a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Green hydrogen can be produced through the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. This process produces only water and oxygen as byproducts, making it a carbon-free process.

Morocco’s favorable geographic location also makes it an attractive location for green hydrogen production. The country is located close to the European market, which is expected to be a major consumer of green hydrogen in the coming years. Morocco’s proximity to Europe reduces transportation costs, making it more competitive in the global green hydrogen market.

Moreover, Morocco has a strong commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change and has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen can help Morocco achieve these targets, by providing a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.

Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Production Plan

In 2020, Morocco announced its Green Hydrogen Production Plan, which aims to produce 4GW of green hydrogen by 2030. The plan is being implemented by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Environment, in partnership with the private sector. The plan includes the construction of 2 large-scale green hydrogen production plants, with a combined capacity of 1GW, by 2025. The plan also includes the development of green hydrogen production facilities in different regions of the country, including the southern provinces of the Río de Oro and Saguia el-Hamra regions, which are rich in solar and wind resources.

Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Production Plan is a comprehensive strategy that aims to make the country a major player in the global green hydrogen market. The plan was launched in November 2020 by Morocco’s Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Environment and ONHYM.

The plan is based on a four-phase approach, which includes the following:

Pilot phase: The pilot phase involves the construction of a 10 MW green hydrogen production plant in the city of Khouribga, which is expected to be operational by 2022. The plant will use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to produce green hydrogen.

Demonstration phase: The demonstration phase involves the construction of a 100MW green hydrogen production plant in the coastal city of Laayoune, which is expected to be operational by 2025. The plant will use a combination of renewable energy sources and natural gas to produce green hydrogen.

Commercial phase: The commercial phase involves the construction of several large-scale green hydrogen production plants across Morocco, with a total capacity of 4GW by 2030. These plants will use renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen for various applications, such as transportation and industry.

Export phase: The export phase involves the establishment of a green hydrogen export industry, with the aim of exporting green hydrogen to Europe and other parts of the world. Morocco is well-positioned to become a major green hydrogen exporter, as it is close to the European market and has abundant renewable energy resources.

The Green Hydrogen Production Plan also includes several supporting measures, such as the development of a regulatory framework for the green hydrogen industry, the establishment of a green hydrogen research and development center, and the promotion of green hydrogen through public awareness campaigns.

The plan has received support from various international organizations, such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance. These organizations recognize the potential of Morocco to become a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen, and are working with the country to realize this potential.

Overall, Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Production Plan is a comprehensive strategy that aims to make the country a major player in the global green hydrogen market. If successfully implemented, the plan could create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, while contributing to the fight against climate change.

International interest in Morocco’s hydrogen sector

Morocco has attracted the attention of several international companies that are interested in developing green hydrogen projects in the country. These companies recognize Morocco’s potential for green hydrogen production, thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources and favorable geographic location.

One such company is Siemens Energy, which is working on a green hydrogen production plant in Morocco. The plant will use wind power to produce green hydrogen, which will be used to power trucks and buses in the country. Siemens Energy has partnered with the Moroccan government and other stakeholders to develop the project, which is expected to be operational by 2022.

Another company that is investing in green hydrogen production in Morocco is Air Liquide. The company is working on a project to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources in the country. Air Liquide has partnered with the Moroccan government and other stakeholders to develop the project, which is expected to be operational by 2023.

In addition, Engie is also working on a green hydrogen production project in Morocco. The company is working on a pilot project to produce green hydrogen using solar energy in the country. The project is part of Engie’s larger strategy to develop green hydrogen production capacity in several countries around the world.

TotalEnergies is also exploring opportunities for green hydrogen production in Morocco. The company has a strong presence in the country’s energy sector and is committed to developing renewable energy projects in Morocco. TotalEnergies has expressed interest in developing green hydrogen production capacity in the country, using solar and wind energy.

Other international companies, such as Enel Green Power and Enapter, have also expressed interest in developing green hydrogen projects in Morocco. These companies recognize Morocco’s potential for green hydrogen production and are eager to explore opportunities in the country.

Current and proposed hydrogen projects in Morocco

Several hydrogen projects are currently underway in Morocco, including the Green H2 project, which is being implemented by the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance in collaboration with the Moroccan government. The project aims to develop a green hydrogen production facility in the southern provinces, with a capacity of 200MW, by 2025. The project also includes the construction of a 600MW wind farm and a 100MW solar farm to power the green hydrogen production process.

Another hydrogen project currently underway in Morocco is the Hyport project, which is being implemented by Air Liquide in partnership with the Moroccan government. The project involves the construction of a green hydrogen production facility in the port of Tangier, with a capacity of 20MW, by 2023. The green hydrogen produced will be used to power transport vehicles in the port.

Other proposed hydrogen projects in Morocco include the construction of a green hydrogen production facility in the city of Laayoune by the Moroccan company Nareva, and the development of a green hydrogen hub in the city of Ouarzazate, which is already home to one of the world’s largest solar power plants.

Comparing Morocco’s green hydrogen potential to other African nations

Morocco’s green hydrogen potential is among the highest in Africa, thanks to its abundance of renewable energy resources. However, other African nations are also exploring green hydrogen production as a means of decarbonizing their economies. According to a report by IRENA, several African countries have the potential to produce green hydrogen, including Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Egypt, for example, has announced plans to produce green hydrogen using its vast wind and solar resources, while Algeria is exploring the potential of using its vast natural gas resources to produce blue hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas but with carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions. South Africa, on the other hand, has announced plans to develop a green hydrogen economy, with a target of producing 3.5GW of green hydrogen by 2030, while Nigeria has announced plans to produce hydrogen from its abundant natural gas resources.

Morocco’s green hydrogen

Despite the potential of other African nations to produce green hydrogen, Morocco is already taking concrete steps towards becoming a leader in the field. The country’s Green Hydrogen Production Plan and the various hydrogen projects currently underway demonstrate Morocco’s commitment to a sustainable future and position it as a key player in the global hydrogen economy.

Moreover, the development of green hydrogen in Morocco could have significant economic benefits for the country. The production of green hydrogen could create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, green hydrogen could be exported to other countries, creating a new revenue stream for the country.

However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed in order for Morocco to fully realize its green hydrogen potential. One of the main challenges is the high cost of producing green hydrogen, which is still more expensive than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. The development of cost-effective green hydrogen production technologies will be crucial for the widespread adoption of the fuel.

Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure for the production, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen. Developing the necessary infrastructure will require significant investment, but it is essential for the scaling up of green hydrogen production.

Morocco’s potential for green hydrogen production is substantial, and the country has already taken significant steps towards becoming a leader in the field. The various hydrogen projects currently underway in Morocco, along with the country’s Green Hydrogen Production Plan, demonstrate the country’s commitment to a sustainable future and position it as a key player in the global hydrogen economy. With the right policies and investments, Morocco has the potential to become a major exporter of green hydrogen, creating new jobs and opportunities for economic growth while contributing to the fight against climate change.

Moving forward

All of the aforementioned topics of discussion will be covered later this year during the 3rd Morocco Oil & Gas Summit and Exhibition, taking place on 24-26 October 2023 at the Savoy Le Grand Hotel in the red city of Marrakech.

The 3rd Morocco Oil & Gas Summit and Exhibition ​​expects the participation of over 13 African Ministries and NOCs, it will showcase the country’s midstream landscape and technology opportunities, ONHYM and the country’s most prominent project owners, multiple bankable opportunities in Morocco and West Africa, as well as CCS technologies and opportunities currently available in Morocco.

This event is currently sponsored by Chariot and Somalev, and is fully supported by the British, German and Spanish Chambers of Commerce present in Morocco, as well as the African Chamber of Commerce.

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