Morocco Selects Five Investors for $31.9 Billion Green Hydrogen Projects

by Adil Faouzi (Morocco World News) These projects follow two earlier agreements signed in October 2024 between Morocco and France, witnessed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. -- Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions took an epochal step forward as Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired a steering committee meeting in Rabat today, where five major investors were selected to develop six projects valued at MAD 319 billion ($31.9 billion) across the country’s three southern regions.

The selected companies include the ORNX consortium, comprising American firm Ortus, Spain’s Acciona, and Germany’s Nordex, which will focus on ammonia production.

A second consortium, formed by UAE-based Taqa and Spain’s Cepsa, will produce both ammonia and industrial fuel.

Moroccan company Nareva will invest in a comprehensive project encompassing ammonia, industrial fuel, and green steel production, while Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power will concentrate on green steel manufacturing.

Additionally, a Chinese consortium consisting of UEG and China Three Gorges will establish ammonia production facilities.

These projects follow two earlier agreements signed in October 2024 between Morocco and France, witnessed by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The first agreement partners Morocco with TotalEnergies, while the second establishes collaboration between OCP and ENGIE, encompassing five projects, including one focused on green hydrogen.

Each project will be allocated up to 30,000 hectares of land, with the government implementing measures to ensure proper use of public land through contractual frameworks.

The government maintains that the selection process remains open to additional investors interested in participating in Morocco’s green hydrogen sector development.

This strategic initiative aligns with directives outlined in King Mohammed VI’s Throne Speech of July 29, 2023, which called for a rapid and qualitative implementation of Morocco’s green hydrogen strategy to leverage the country’s advantages in this emerging sector and meet global investor interest. READ MORE

Excerpt from Morocco World News: Leila Benali pointed out that annual investments in renewable energy have tripled, while those in electrical networks have increased fivefold.

The minister also recalled Morocco’s strategy to become a key player in regional energy integration. The country aims to strengthen its position as a corridor connecting Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic for energy trade and cooperation.

Benali also touched upon Morocco’s forward-thinking strategy in the emerging green hydrogen sector. The country is creating a conducive environment for international investors, supported by a robust regulatory framework and expanding infrastructure.

In this way, Morocco is establishing itself as a frontrunner in green hydrogen development, with multiple international consortiums already signaling their intent to invest in this critical area. READ MORE

Excerpt from Fuel Cells Works: H2 Global Energy Finalizes Initial Studies for Green Ammonia Plant in Morocco with a production capacity of 1 million MTPa. -- H2 Global Energy is pleased to announce the completion of initial studies for the development of a groundbreaking green hydrogen and ammonia plant in southern Morocco. With an anticipated production capacity of one million metric tons of green ammonia per annum, this project aims to position Morocco as a leading player in the global green energy landscape.

Recently, a team from H2 Global Energy concluded a series of productive meetings with multiple governmental bodies in Rabat, discussing the regulatory framework, investment opportunities, and collaboration needed to bring this transformative project to fruition. The discussions highlighted the Moroccan government's commitment to fostering renewable energy initiatives and its strategic vision for becoming a regional hub for green hydrogen production.

Mr. Waleed AlHallaj, Chief Commercial Officer of H2 Global Energy, emphasized the importance of this project for Morocco, stating: “The establishment of the green hydrogen and ammonia plant is a significant step towards realizing Morocco's renewable energy ambitions. This facility will not only contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. We are excited about the potential of this project to support Morocco’s transition to a green economy and enhance its position in the global energy market.”

The planned facility will utilize Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources to produce green hydrogen, which will then be converted into green ammonia. This environmentally friendly solution is set to play a vital role in various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and energy storage, thus supporting the global shift towards decarbonization.

H2 Global Energy is committed to driving innovative and sustainable energy projects in collaboration with local and international partners. The successful completion of initial studies marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards building the green ammonia plant, with further steps being taken to finalize project financing and engineering design.

As Morocco positions itself as a leader in renewable energy, H2 Global Energy is dedicated to contributing to the country’s vision of a sustainable and prosperous future. The consortium looks forward to continuing its collaborative efforts with the Moroccan government and local stakeholders to realize this transformative project. READ MORE