Under the visionary guidance of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is embarking on an ambitious journey to lead the green hydrogen market in North Africa, spearheading a sustainable energy revolution.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to harness the power of renewable resources, particularly solar and wind, to produce green hydrogen—a form of hydrogen that can significantly reduce carbon emissions across various industries.
Green hydrogen, as Morocco envisions it, is produced by using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen carries the potential to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and agriculture.
Morocco sees green hydrogen as the linchpin for both export opportunities and local fertilizer production. The nation is tapping into its abundant renewable energy resources to power this green hydrogen revolution.
Samir Rachidi, the head of the research institute Iresen, acknowledges that the green hydrogen sector is still in its infancy. However, Morocco’s Ministry of Economy is taking bold steps by allocating a substantial 1.5 million hectares of land for the development of eight green hydrogen production plants. This forward-looking move demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production.
Foreign investors have expressed significant interest in Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions. The country has made impressive strides in renewable energy, with approximately 38% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The goal is to increase this figure to 52% by 2030.
Morocco’s green hydrogen aspirations are part of a larger trend in North Africa. A Deloitte report suggests that this region, including Algeria and Tunisia, could potentially become leaders in green hydrogen exports by 2050. Both neighboring nations have their ambitious green hydrogen production plans, with Algeria aiming to produce one million tons for Europe by 2040, and Tunisia planning to export up to six million tons by 2050.
However, for all these nations to achieve their green hydrogen goals, there is a common requirement: a substantial increase in the use of renewable energy sources.
Morocco’s ambitious green hydrogen initiative could potentially set a trend for the entire North African region. The venture has the power to ignite a green energy revolution, transforming not only Morocco but the entire energy landscape of North Africa.
Morocco’s focus on green hydrogen also has the potential to reshape regional power dynamics. If successful, Morocco could gain significant influence over its neighbors, positioning itself as a renewable energy leader in the region.
Yet, Morocco’s success in this endeavor is not only contingent on regional factors but also on international demand for green hydrogen. To meet global demand, Morocco must overcome significant infrastructural challenges by building robust facilities for the safe production and storage of hydrogen.
