Morocco Morocco Accelerates Energy Transition with Natural Gas and Green Hydrogen

Sunday 08 June 2025 - 12:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco Morocco Accelerates Energy Transition with Natural Gas and Green Hydrogen

Facing increasing demands for decarbonization and energy sovereignty, Morocco is undertaking a major transformation of its energy model. The country's strategy revolves around two key pillars: natural gas for short-term stability and green hydrogen for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

As part of its bold energy transition, Morocco aims to raise the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 30% by 2030. This goal is embedded in a broader, cross-sectoral strategy combining public-private partnerships, large-scale investments, and the development of critical energy infrastructure.

Speaking at the 16th Energy Conference in Ouarzazate, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment, announcing a call for interest to expand national gas infrastructure. The initiative includes the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Nador West Med and a gas pipeline network linking it to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME). This infrastructure will support both existing and planned power stations and industrial zones between Mohammedia and Kenitra, and eventually connect to Atlantic coast terminals and the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline via the port of Dakhla.

The planned pipeline network will have a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters annually, with half allocated for export to Europe through the existing GME connections.

Simultaneously, Morocco is developing a strong framework for green hydrogen production. Through a national initiative promoting hydrogen from renewables, several international consortiums have already been selected, underscoring the country’s competitiveness and appeal to global investors.

Morocco aims to boost its renewable energy production to 120 GW by 2030 and attract green hydrogen investments worth up to 300 billion USD. Natural gas is seen as a crucial transitional energy source—ensuring grid stability, balancing the variability of renewables, securing supply, and reducing CO₂ emissions in the short term.

Green hydrogen, on the other hand, presents long-term opportunities, including the development of green ammonia for fertilizers and integration into gas networks. The planned Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is expected to play a vital structural role in this process.

Ultimately, Morocco seeks to position itself as a green industrial hub by attracting energy-intensive sectors focused on low-carbon steel, chemicals, and sustainable construction materials. This strategy integrates energy and industrial infrastructures while strengthening national capabilities in logistics, training, and manufacturing.

This transformation requires significant financial resources. The renewable energy roadmap, including 20 GW of green hydrogen, will demand over 500 billion dirhams in investment. Over 27 billion dirhams have already been earmarked for grid expansion and clean energy integration over the next five years.

It is clear that public resources alone will not be sufficient. A funding mix involving public, private, and international stakeholders is essential.

Morocco is forging a clear path between immediate needs and long-term vision. Natural gas offers near-term energy stability, while green hydrogen lays the groundwork for low-carbon industrial growth. This forward-thinking strategy emphasizes innovation, resilience, and energy competitiveness.