Morocco is solidly moving toward gains in the field of renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen. Experts suggest that with total investments nearing €16.4 billion, Morocco could become a principal supplier for Europe, catering to around 5% of the continent’s demand.
The Spanish economic newspaper “Cinco Días” noted that Morocco aims to transition into a “significant country in the hydrogen sector,” adding that it continues to strengthen its position in the European market with an eye on becoming a “main supplier.”
A recent study by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, specialized in applied science research, revealed that Morocco is boosting its green hydrogen production to reach a total of 160 terawatt-hours by the year 2050.
In line with this, various European and Moroccan companies are flocking to invest in this sector, with the aim of establishing infrastructure that links the Iberian Peninsula to North Africa and the rest of the continent. Spanish hydrocarbon company “Cepsa” announced last year the construction of a pipeline to transport green hydrogen from Morocco.
According to renewable energy expert Mohammed Bouhamidi, Morocco’s efforts for an energy transition are not new. The country has extensively developed solar and wind energy before diving into green hydrogen production, despite the challenges of storage and containment, along with massive requirements.
Bouhamidi noted that the accelerating pace of climate change and the nearing expiration of most nuclear power plants in Europe would offer Morocco the opportunity to supply the continent with electricity.
Morocco has launched structured projects for producing green hydrogen made from solar and wind energy, reducing the cost per kilogram of hydrogen, considered the future eco-friendly fuel that will run most engines.
Given the urgency of climate change and renewable energy needs, Morocco’s investments and advancements in green hydrogen could play a significant role in Europe’s sustainability goals.
The push for renewable energy is at its peak globally, with a keen focus on green hydrogen as a potential game-changer for sustainability. Europe, in particular, is on the lookout for reliable sources of this green fuel.
Enter Morocco—a North African nation quietly making significant strides in renewable energy sectors.
In the same context, Dr. Badr Al-Zaher Al-Azraq, a professor of business law, confirmed that Morocco is making great efforts to win the renewable energy bet and make its mark among the leaders in this field.
He pointed out that this direction was obligatory for Morocco due to its desire to establish an industry-dominated economy that requires all sorts of energy, as well as to achieve the required growth rates.
In a conversation with “Sky News Arabia,” he stated that Morocco, due to its geographical location, has enormous capabilities compared to other neighboring countries in the field of clean energy production.
On this matter, he affirmed that the kingdom needs significant funding that the government alone cannot provide, necessitating collaboration with the private sector, including entities from the European Union and even beyond.
The economic analyst highlighted that Morocco’s open policy has borne fruit, with the launch of pioneering projects like “Noor1,” “Noor2,” and the still-under-construction “Noor3,” in addition to major green hydrogen projects with German partners.
These Moroccan initiatives could become the locomotive that pulls other countries into investing in this field, especially since the global trend is now leaning towards gradually abandoning fossil fuels, according to Al-Azraq.
A previous study conducted by the “Atlantic Council” stated that Morocco—with its natural potential—is qualified to lead the North Africa region in terms of green hydrogen production.
A recent study also published this year by “Aurora Energy Research” indicated that Europe importing green hydrogen from Morocco is “more feasible” economically than local production by 2030.
In recent years, Morocco has made waves in the field of renewable energy, specifically green hydrogen. Experts say that the kingdom, with its ambitious plans and strategic location, is well-positioned to become a pivotal player in Europe’s green hydrogen market.
According to Dr. Badr Al-Zaher Al-Azraq, a professor of business law, Morocco has significant geographical advantages that make it an ideal candidate for clean energy production. “Compared to neighboring countries, Morocco’s geographical location provides enormous capabilities for clean energy production,” he told Sky News Arabia.
Morocco understands that public funds alone cannot sustain the renewable energy venture. Collaboration with the private sector is key, and the kingdom is opening its doors to international partners, including entities from the European Union.
Morocco’s strategic plans have started to yield results, evident from pioneering projects like “Noor1,” “Noor2,” and the ongoing “Noor3,” alongside major green hydrogen initiatives with German firms. Dr. Al-Azraq highlighted that these projects are a significant step toward the kingdom becoming a locomotive for renewable energy, encouraging other nations to invest in this sector.
The Atlantic Council has pointed out that Morocco is well-placed to lead North Africa in terms of green hydrogen production. Furthermore, a recent study by Aurora Energy Research suggested that it would be more economically feasible for Europe to import green hydrogen from Morocco than to produce it locally by 2030.
For Morocco, investing in renewable energy isn’t just an environmental concern but an economic necessity. Dr. Al-Azraq stated that the kingdom is keen on establishing an industry-centric economy, and renewable energy plays a crucial role in meeting growth objectives.
The global climate is shifting, and Morocco is keeping pace. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, Morocco’s initiatives in green hydrogen offer a sustainable path for Europe and beyond.
As Morocco lays down its green future, the kingdom is not just looking inward but outward, potentially becoming a cornerstone in Europe’s renewable energy landscape.
