Green Hydrogen: How Can Morocco Meet 4 to 8% of Global Demand?

Morocco is banking on green hydrogen to meet the global demand for clean energy and strengthen its position on the international market. Thanks to its abundant renewable resources, expertise in the field, and appropriate infrastructure, the Kingdom is establishing itself as a major player in the production and export of green hydrogen.

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Solar energy, wind power, and soon green hydrogen! Morocco is banking on its strengths to become a world leader in clean, renewable energy

Morocco is well positioned to become a major player in the production of green hydrogen”, according to Tarik Hamane, Deputy Managing Director of the Moroccan Renewable Energy Development Agency (MASEN), at the Investor Day held on May 26th, 2023.

Indeed, the country has abundant renewable resources, particularly in solar and wind power, as well as a coastline that is ideal for exporting green hydrogen. What’s more, it benefits from port and road infrastructures, as well as connectivity with Europe, making it attractive to investors.

The Guelmim-Oued Noun region is particularly promising in terms of renewable energy, with wind power potential in excess of 30 gigawatts and solar power production capacity in the tens of gigawatts. The combination of these two energy sources ensures a reliable power supply for electrolyzers producing green hydrogen by electrolysis. Morocco also boasts political and economic stability, as well as a clear vision of sustainable development, with renewable energies given pride of place in the national strategy.

What’s more, the country has already demonstrated its ability to develop large-scale projects, such as the solar program supported by MASEN. Last but not least, it possesses qualified human capital and expertise in the field of renewable energies, which can attract foreign investment and foster the development of a cutting-edge green hydrogen industry.

In this favorable context, Morocco could meet a significant share of global demand for green hydrogen, according to studies cited by Tarik Hamane

Ongoing projects in Guelmim-Oued Noun, as well as planned foreign investment, testify to the country’s attractiveness to renewable energy players. It is therefore crucial that Morocco continues to invest in this sector to reinforce its position as world leader in the production of green hydrogen. As Tarik Hamane pointed out, “Morocco has all the ingredients to be the best location closest to a major market,” that of Europe.

The key role of infrastructure in the development of green hydrogen

As a world leader in the production and export of green hydrogen, Morocco could supply 4 or even 8% of the world’s green hydrogen needs, according to studies. This ambition is underpinned by Moroccan know-how and expertise in the development of renewable projects, as well as by the country’s ability to develop large-scale projects in various industrial sectors, such as automotive and aeronautics.

The Guelmim Oued Noun region’s potential for green energy and green hydrogen thus offers numerous investment and economic development opportunities for the country and the region. However, to achieve this ambitious goal, it is essential to ensure participative, efficient and transparent governance, to strengthen connectivity with international markets and to develop infrastructures suited to the production and export of green hydrogen.

Fertile ground

The Guelmim Oued Noun region, located in south-west Morocco, offers significant potential for green energy. With an annual production capacity of over 7,000 watts hour/m2 for solar energy and wind speeds of up to 8 meters/second for wind power, it stands out as one of the most promising renewable energy zones on a national and global scale.

This opportunity has been seized by several national and international investors who are particularly interested in its development potential, with an estimated investment of over 50 billion dirhams. This represents a decisive step forward for the region’s positioning in the global green hydrogen market. By way of example, the Power2X project, covering the entire value chain of green hydrogen production, is one of the region’s first successes.

What’s more, “the creation of the GON H2 Valley – a technological and industrial platform designed to host research centers – and the incubation of the first green hydrogen projects will enable the region to succeed in its bid to become a world leader in the production and export of green hydrogen by 2035”, argue the region’s authorities. The same applies to the establishment of a regional infrastructure tailored to the integration of the entire value chain and the implementation of participative, efficient and transparent governance through the creation of the “Green Hydrogen SDR”.

The region also boasts port and road infrastructures, as well as connectivity with the European market, making it a strategic location for green hydrogen exports. In addition, the Kingdom’s political and economic stability and His Majesty’s clear vision in favor of sustainable development and renewable energies offer a favorable investment environment.

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(Featured image by gavilla via Pixabay)

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First published in LES ECO.ma, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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