Morocco has a strong potential for green hydrogen generation due to its high sun irradiation and consistent wind speeds. Therefore, it has set a goal of producing 10 gigatons of renewable energy by 2030, which in turn may offer enough power to generate up to 1 million tons of green hydrogen per year, said Atalayar on Monday.
Morocco is encouraging investment and growth in the hydrogen industry, thanks to a collaboration between public and private firms, and has set priority objectives to significantly boost renewable energy generating capacity (52% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 80% by 2050), which now stands at 37%.
Morocco’s energy production potential is diverse, with solar photovoltaic energy projected to be 5,000 TWh/year over a 700,000 km2 region. Wind power is another key renewable energy source that would enable Morocco to produce green hydrogen, with a wind energy potential of over 25,000 MW.
Hydrogen may be supplied from sources other than solar and wind energy, as Morocco holds tremendous hydropower potential, as well.
The Kingdom currently possesses approximately 1,750 MW of installed hydroelectric capacity, with 15 hydropower facilities currently in service.
Biomass is yet another ecologically friendly alternative, as it too may be utilized to make green hydrogen. Its biomass potential lies around 13.5 million tons per year; however, it has a relatively modest developed biomass generating capacity.
Morocco’s government is collaborating on research and development programs with MASEN, IRESEN, and INREEE to manufacture green hydrogen from renewable sources. Private players such as the OCP Group, Green Energy Park, and Nareva Holding are investing in green hydrogen production projects, as well as the use of this technology in other industries.
Cost reductions and the development of the first practical projects in this sector are envisaged in the middle term (2030-2040). Long-term (2040-2050) expectations include an increase in demand for projects in this sector, with commensurate development at the national and international levels.
The Kingdom has also established the Green Hydrogen Cluster platform to boost the hydrogen sector domestically through research, assistance, and project coordination.
The GreenH2 cluster aims to contribute to the emergence of a competitive industry, positioning Morocco as a benchmark in the export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
In addition, the OCP Group looks to create 200,000 tons of green ammonia by 2026, followed by a more ambitious objective of one million tons over the next four years. Furthermore, it intends to increase production to three million tons by 2032.
MASEN has begun the strategic project “Power to Hydrogen (PtX)” to create a hybrid power plant combining solar and wind energy to power a green hydrogen production plant (and/or its by-products) with a 100 MW electrolysis capacity, to be linked to a probable desalination facility.
With a strong focus on sustainable energy, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is strengthening its engagement in hydrogen development in Morocco. Since 2012, the EBRD has invested in over 44 projects in the Kingdom, the value of which totals over 1.6 billion euros.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a World Bank institution that promotes economic growth in underserved areas, with the added benefit of operating in the private sector. Since 2020, IFC has contributed more than $200 million towards Morocco’s sustainable infrastructure projects.
Morocco and the African Finance Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding for project development funding, no doubt helped along by Morocco’s ascendancy to membership in the African Finance Corporation in 2021.
Morocco and the Netherlands inked an agreement in June, 2023 to establish a $300 million investment fund to support water and renewables projects–primarily green hydrogen–over the ensuing three years.
The Morocco-Germany Energy Partnership (PAREMA) was established in 2012 to enable relevant stakeholders in both countries to share best practices and experiences. Partnership agreements have been struck by institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute with Moroccan public enterprises such as the OCP Group and IRESEN.
Not to be outdone, Total Eren–a Moroccan private sector player–will invest 10.69 billion dollars in the execution of a hybrid hydrogen and green ammonia project in the area of Guelmim-Oued Noun, which is slated to commence production in 2027.
Gaia Energy, a Moroccan renewable energy leader; Marom, a subsidiary of the Israeli corporation Gandyr CWP Global, one of the world’s top renewable energy project developers; and Hevo Ammoniac Maroc will all figure into the equation, as well. Among the others are UK energy business Chariot Limit, Belgian mechanical engineering company and alkaline electrolyzer expert John Cockerill, and DII (a consortium of around 40 significant global energy corporations).