Morocco Approves $32.5 Billion Green Hydrogen Projects

Morocco has taken a significant step towards clean energy leadership by approving six large-scale green hydrogen projects worth 319 billion dirhams ($32.5 billion). These projects, backed by international and local investors, aim to produce green ammonia, industrial fuel, and green steel, aligning with Morocco’s ambitious energy transition goals and export strategy.

The initiative, which falls under Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, will help the country meet its domestic energy needs while strengthening its role as a supplier of green energy to the European Union (EU). The EU has set a target to import 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, making Morocco a key strategic partner.

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“With its vast solar and wind resources, Morocco is well-positioned to become a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives,” the government stated.

Key Investors and Projects

The Moroccan government has selected five international consortia and a domestic investor to develop these projects:

1. ORNX Consortium (United States, Spain, Germany)

• Companies: Ortus (USA), Acciona (Spain), Nordex (Germany)
• Focus: Green ammonia production

2. Taqa-Cepsa Consortium (UAE, Spain)

• Companies: Taqa (UAE), Cepsa (Spain)
• Focus: Ammonia and synthetic fuel production

3. Nareva (Morocco)

• Focus: Ammonia, synthetic fuels, and green steel production

4. Acwa Power (Saudi Arabia)

• Focus: Green steel manufacturing

5. UEG-China Three Gorges Consortium (China)

• Companies: UEG, China Three Gorges
• Focus: Ammonia production

Each project will be allocated up to 30,000 hectares of land once a preliminary agreement is signed. The government has earmarked one million hectares for green hydrogen development, with an initial 300,000 hectares available in the first phase.

Aiming for Global Competitiveness in Green Hydrogen

Morocco is leveraging its strategic location, abundant renewable energy resources, and advanced infrastructure to position itself among the world’s leading producers of green hydrogen. The approved projects are expected to:

• Boost energy independence by expanding Morocco’s renewable energy capacity.
• Create jobs and stimulate local industry development.
• Strengthen trade ties with the EU and international markets.
• Contribute to Morocco’s goal of 52% renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Vision and Global Partnerships

In addition to the six newly approved projects, Morocco has attracted key international partnerships in the green hydrogen sector:

• TotalEnergies (France): Signed a deal in October 2024 to develop green hydrogen.
• Engie-OCP Partnership (France, Morocco): Engie partnered with OCP Group, Morocco’s leading phosphates and fertiliser company, to produce green ammonia.

These partnerships highlight Morocco’s growing role in the global green energy transition and its commitment to sustainable industrial development.

Regulatory Framework and Future Investment Opportunities

To facilitate investment, Morocco has implemented a structured regulatory framework under the “Morocco’s Offer” initiative, which includes:

• Dedicated land allocation for green hydrogen production.
• Development of critical infrastructure such as ports, pipelines, and desalination plants.
• Tax and customs incentives to attract global investors.

The selection process for green hydrogen projects remains open to additional investors, ensuring that Morocco continues to expand its clean energy ambitions.

The Road Ahead: Can Morocco Lead Africa’s Green Hydrogen Revolution?

Morocco’s commitment to green hydrogen is a transformative step that could reshape Africa’s energy landscape. The country’s proactive approach, strategic location, and renewable energy potential position it as a key supplier of green hydrogen and ammonia to international markets.

With Europe and other global markets accelerating their transition to renewable energy, Morocco’s bold investments in green hydrogen could set a precedent for Africa’s clean energy future.

Will Morocco cement its status as a global green hydrogen powerhouse, or will challenges in financing and infrastructure slow its progress? The coming years will determine whether this ambitious plan turns into a major success story for Africa’s energy sector.