Green Hydrogen Ambitions: Morocco's Path to Renewable Energy Leadership

Wednesday 09 October 2024 - 15:20

Morocco has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at generating 30,000 jobs in the burgeoning green hydrogen sector, marking a significant step in the country's renewable energy strategy.

During the World Power-to-X Summit in Marrakech, Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, announced this ambitious plan. It forms part of a broader effort to create 300,000 jobs across key sectors, including decarbonization and electric mobility. Sekkouri highlighted that the green hydrogen sector alone is expected to fulfill 10% of Morocco's employment needs.

The government has allocated one million hectares for green hydrogen development, with 300,000 hectares already reserved for investors. This clean energy is produced through renewable energy-powered electrolysis, emitting only water vapor.

Morocco’s strategic location and rich natural resources have attracted substantial interest from national and international investors. Despite lacking significant oil and gas reserves, the country's abundant solar and wind resources position it as a formidable contender in the global renewable energy market. Morocco aims to produce 52% of its energy from renewables by 2030.

Financial backing from institutions like the World Bank and the European Investment Bank is already in motion, complementing Morocco's existing energy assets, such as the world’s largest concentrated solar plant in Ouarzazate.

However, Morocco still relies heavily on fossil fuels, with 62% of its electricity derived from coal, gas, and oil. Expanding green hydrogen production could significantly reduce this dependency, driving the nation towards a sustainable energy future.