Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Initiative has received 40 project proposals, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy.
The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) received the applications six months after the Head of Government’s circular on the implementation of the “Morocco Offer” for green hydrogen development.
A steering committee, chaired by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, met to discuss project evaluation criteria, emphasizing transparency and competitiveness.
The meeting was held to apply the High Directives of King Mohammed VI, “calling for the rapid and qualitative implementation of this offer, to leverage the country’s significant potential in this area and to meet the expectations of leading global investors in this promising field.”
Morocco expects to sign the first preliminary contracts for green hydrogen production in the fourth quarter of this year.
In March, the minister in charge of investment, Mohcen Jazouli, said the country has attracted interest from around 100 investors, who will benefit from generous renewable sun and wind energy resources, land parcels ranging from 10,000 hectares to 30,000, and tax exemptions.
Investments are expected to cost tens of billions of dollars, with feasibility studies costing up to $50 million.
Morocco aims to contribute to The European Commission’s goal to import 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030 for use in transport and heavy industry sectors that are traditionally reliant on coal, natural gas, and oil.
Morocco seeks to create value and jobs through these projects, which will bolster electricity production and potentially satisfy demand in Europe.
The “Morocco Offer” seeks integrated projects of scale, with offtake used in domestic industries and potentially exported to Europe. .
Within this framework, the State has defined a 1 million-hectare public land base in line with High Royal Directives to support project developers and promote the promising sector while ensuring its preservation and good use within a contractual framework.
