Morocco accelerates green hydrogen future with $32 billion investment in southern regions

Saturday 10 May 2025 - 15:10

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco accelerates green hydrogen future with $32 billion investment in southern regions

Morocco’s southern push into green hydrogen leads global energy shift

In 2025, Morocco is accelerating its transition to a clean energy future with an unprecedented investment of 319 billion dirhams in green hydrogen megaprojects across its southern provinces. These projects place Morocco at the heart of the global energy transformation, reinforcing its position as a key actor in the development and export of sustainable energy solutions.

Strategic investment redefines energy landscape

The Moroccan government unveiled six flagship green hydrogen projects in March 2025, backed by a total investment of approximately $32 billion. A significant portion—130 billion dirhams—is allocated to producing one million tons of green ammonia, a key industrial hydrogen derivative.

Five national and international investors were selected to lead the development, aligning with King Mohammed VI’s long-term vision for Morocco’s energy sovereignty and global leadership in renewables.

Clean technology with global impact

Green hydrogen will be produced using electrolysis powered by Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources. This technology is critical to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. By focusing on green hydrogen, Morocco aims to meet its Paris Climate Agreement commitments and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The country’s renewable strategy also reinforces its leadership in climate action across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Driving job creation and regional growth

These investments are expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, transportation, and industry. Minister of Economic Inclusion and Employment Younes Sekkouri estimates that green hydrogen and renewables will contribute to about 10% of new jobs nationally—around 30,000 per year—with potential for even higher numbers through indirect employment.

This wave of development will primarily benefit the southern provinces, promoting regional economic inclusion and reducing reliance on imported fuels. The shift will strengthen Morocco’s trade balance and transform the kingdom into a strategic hub for green hydrogen exports, particularly to European markets.

Innovation and infrastructure at the core

Morocco’s transition is supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, including electrolysis facilities and hydrogen storage systems. Scientific research plays a pivotal role, led by the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), which is driving pilot projects and partnerships to scale green hydrogen production.

These collaborations with European and African institutions aim to boost technical expertise and accelerate implementation at a national scale.

Positioning Morocco as a global energy leader

Morocco aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Its green hydrogen program is central to this goal, blending economic growth with environmental responsibility. These megaprojects are more than technological milestones—they signal a bold economic model that aligns sustainability with innovation and job creation.

Morocco is positioning itself as a benchmark for emerging economies, demonstrating how climate-conscious investments can drive regional development and international influence.