Harnessing the potential of the hydrogen economy in Morocco

Context

The 1.5 degrees target cannot be achieved with the sole expansion of electricity generation from renewable energies and higher energy efficiency. There is also a lot of work to be done in other sectors, in particular heating, transport, manufacturing and the non-energy consumption of fossil fuels. The decarbonisation of these industries can be realised through the use of green hydrogen (H2) and its derived products, so-called power-to-X (PtX). There are many promising applications for green H2 and PtX in sectors such as aviation and shipping, as well as the steel and chemical industries, all of which are difficult to electrify.

Given the tremendous potential for wind and solar energy in Morocco, the country is in an excellent position to build a green H2/PtX economy. As a result, with global demand expected to increase, the opportunities for development are considerable. Significant efforts will be needed in the coming years to harness these. This means not only scaling up the generation of energy from renewables but also laying the crucial foundations that will enable Morocco to ramp up its presence in the green hydrogen market.

Objective

A more enabling framework has been created for Morocco’s entry into the green hydrogen and PtX economy.

Approach

The project supports the work of the Moroccan Energy Ministry to harness the potential of the green H2/PtX economy in the interests of national development. The project’s activities reflect the important role of local value chains and key sustainability criteria.

The project operates in the following areas:

• Establishing a more enabling framework that will allow Morocco to ramp up its activities in the green H2/PtX market, e.g. by supporting a steering structure for the coordination of relevant institutions.
• Improving the basis for decision-making in relation to investment and the development of local value chains, e.g. through modelling of the Moroccan energy system and cooperation with the private sector.
• Supporting research and training.

Last update: August 2023