Morocco is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in green hydrogen production, with the announcement of projects valued at approximately $300 billion. These initiatives aim to leverage the country’s natural advantages, such as abundant sunlight and vast land areas, to develop the green hydrogen sector.

Details of the Planned Projects

• High Production Capacity: The announced projects are expected to provide renewable electricity capacity of around 120 gigawatts, most of which will be concentrated in the southern regions of the country.
• Land Allocation: Morocco has allocated nearly one million hectares to support investment in the green hydrogen sector, with the goal of meeting more than 4% of global demand for this clean energy.
• International Partnerships: The investments involve partnerships with global companies such as the UAE’s “TAQA,” Saudi Arabia’s “ACWA Power,” France’s “Total,” and Australia’s “CWP.” This reflects international confidence in Morocco’s capabilities in this sector.

Examples of Major Projects

• Chbika Project: “TotalEnergies” is developing a project in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, which includes the construction of wind and solar farms with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt. The generated electricity will be used to produce 200,000 metric tons of green ammonia annually from hydrogen extracted from desalinated seawater, primarily for export to Europe.
• OCP and Engie Agreement: Morocco’s OCP Group and France’s “Engie” have signed a preliminary agreement for projects worth up to €17 billion. These projects will focus on water desalination, renewable energy, and green hydrogen, with an emphasis on research and innovation in these fields.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its significant potential, Morocco faces challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure and technology for efficient green hydrogen production. However, the country’s commitment to increasing investments and strengthening international partnerships highlights its determination to achieve its energy goals and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Source: Economy Middle East