Swiss company explores $3.6 billion green hydrogen projects in Morocco

08:10

By: Azzat Manal

Swiss company explores $3.6 billion green hydrogen projects in Morocco

Morocco is attracting renewed interest from international investors in the green hydrogen sector, with Swiss company H2 Global Energy studying two projects in the country that could represent a combined investment of more than $3.6 billion.

The proposed developments, planned for Beni Mellal and Tangier, are still at an early stage and do not yet represent final investment commitments. However, they highlight Morocco’s growing ambitions to establish itself as a major producer of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.

In Beni Mellal, H2 Global Energy is considering the development of a renewable ammonia production facility designed to operate independently from Morocco’s national electricity grid. The project would rely entirely on renewable power generated on site, combining solar energy with battery storage systems.

The planned electrolyzer capacity is expected to range between 1.3 and 1.5 gigawatts, while annual renewable ammonia production could reach between 220,000 and 281,000 tonnes. The project is estimated to require around $2.5 billion in capital investment and could potentially begin operations in 2029.

The Beni Mellal project remains at the preliminary engineering stage, meaning that a final investment decision has not yet been taken. Its off-grid model could provide greater control over the renewable electricity supply, while also creating additional requirements for generation and energy storage capacity.

The Swiss company is also studying a second project in Tangier focused on the production of renewable hydrogen peroxide, reflecting a broader effort to diversify the range of products derived from green hydrogen.

The Tangier facility could produce approximately 28,000 tonnes annually and would be supplied by up to 700 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. Around 60% of the electricity would come from wind power and the remaining 40% from solar energy.

Investment in the Tangier project is estimated at approximately $1.1 billion, with operations potentially starting in 2028, although the project remains subject to further technical and economic studies.

Together, the two developments could represent around $3.6 billion in potential investment. The figure should not, however, be interpreted as a confirmed financial commitment, as both projects are still undergoing development and assessment.

The economics of green hydrogen and its derivatives remain one of the main challenges facing large-scale projects. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, producing one tonne of renewable ammonia in Morocco can cost between approximately $743 and $787, depending on the electrolyzer technology used.

High electrolyzer costs, the substantial investment required to build renewable energy facilities and financing expenses continue to weigh on the competitiveness of green hydrogen projects worldwide.

The proposed developments also point to a possible geographical diversification of Morocco’s green hydrogen industry. Many previously announced projects have focused on areas with strong solar and wind resources, access to ports and established industrial infrastructure, particularly in southern and coastal regions.

The selection of Beni Mellal could broaden the geographical footprint of hydrogen-related investment by bringing industrial activity further inland. It could also create opportunities for closer integration with Morocco’s existing industrial base, including major fertilizer and chemical industries that require large quantities of ammonia.

Export-oriented projects face additional challenges, including production and transportation costs, certification requirements and the need to remain competitive in international markets.

Despite these hurdles, Morocco’s renewable energy resources, proximity to European markets, expanding industrial infrastructure and strategic location continue to make it an attractive destination for clean-energy investment.

The projects being examined by H2 Global Energy therefore reflect a broader trend toward diversifying both the geographical distribution and industrial applications of renewable hydrogen in Morocco. If they progress beyond the study phase, they could contribute to the country’s ambitions to develop a competitive green hydrogen ecosystem serving both domestic industry and international markets.