Leila Benali Unveils Morocco’s Plan to Boost Green Hydrogen Production and Develop the Natural Gas Market
The Kingdom of Morocco has initiated its “Morocco Offer” for green hydrogen, in line with royal directives aimed at enhancing energy sovereignty and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, as confirmed by Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali on Monday in the House of Representatives.
The minister explained in response to a parliamentary question regarding efforts to strengthen this sector that the offer encompasses the entire value chain, providing a clear regulatory and institutional framework, along with a plan for necessary infrastructure. She noted the allocation of one million hectares of national land, with 300,000 hectares designated in the first phase for investors.
Benali added that this phase resulted in the selection of six Moroccan and international investment clusters to develop seven projects in the southern regions (Kelaat Sraghna, Laâyoune, and Dakhla), with a total capacity of around 20 gigawatts of renewable energy, including 10 gigawatts for electrolytic devices, aiming to produce approximately 8 million tons of green hydrogen derivatives, including green ammonia, synthetic fuel, and green steel.
The minister highlighted that the water needs associated with these projects are estimated at about 63 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, emphasizing that developing shared infrastructure, particularly desalination plants using renewable energy, will enhance competitiveness and ensure both energy and water sovereignty.
In this context, Benali reminded that the OCP Group has launched a green investment program targeting the production of one million tons of green ammonia by 2027, with a goal of reaching three million tons by 2032.
The government official emphasized that the governance of the “Morocco Offer” relies on specialized steering and investment committees to ensure transparency, diversify partners, and keep pace with technological and market developments.
She confirmed that these efforts will enhance investments in renewable energy and water desalination, reduce reliance on imported conventional energy sources, supporting the country’s energy sovereignty and bolstering sustainable development.
On another note, the minister affirmed that developing the natural gas sector serves as a strategic lever to achieve energy sovereignty and bolster industrial competitiveness, as it represents a low-carbon transitional energy source that helps integrate renewable energies and ensures stability for the national electricity grid.
She explained that developing this sector is a crucial entry point for attracting industrial investments, especially in light of the global push towards carbon neutrality, which contributes to lower costs and enhances opportunities for economic growth and sustainable job creation.
Benali indicated that a comprehensive vision for developing the natural gas market is being prepared.
