Marrakech – Under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the fifth edition of the “Power to X” summit kicked off today, where Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, confirmed that Morocco is solidifying its position as a regional and international hub in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Benali emphasized that current challenges do not hinder progress but rather necessitate accelerating the energy transition as an economic and social transformation that provides job opportunities and enhances local development and social justice.
The minister announced that the Kingdom will launch a tender before the end of the year for the construction of a floating liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal at the Port of Nador West Med, alongside pipeline projects to connect production areas with consumption sites, recalling that the previous expression of interest attracted 50 bids from global companies.
She highlighted the strategic agreement with the UAE in 2023, culminating in a shareholder agreement in May 2025 to expand a gas station that will double gas consumption for electricity production to over two billion cubic meters annually, in addition to the progress of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project and the legislative process for Law 67.24 related to gas.
Moreover, she underscored the significance of the government’s publication in March 2024 regarding “Morocco’s Hydrogen Offer,” which provided a clear vision for investors and resulted in the selection of six national and international coalitions to develop major projects in the southern regions.
In the field of innovation, she stressed the role of scientific research and the development of national competencies, considering that the IRESEN Institute represents the practical arm of the state in renewable energies. She affirmed that Morocco is moving towards cementing its position as a global corridor for the trade of green minerals and molecules thanks to its deep ports and extensive road and rail networks.
Benali urged governments to accelerate reforms, funders to turn experiences into tangible projects, and youth to seize the opportunities provided by the green economy, affirming that their creativity is a crucial element in building a clean economy that provides thousands of job opportunities and ensures a sustainable future.
