Rabat – Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, which specializes in hydrogen storage, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with renewable energy firm CWP Global to study how to transport hydrogen from Morocco to Europe.
The study would examine the possibilities of daily transfers of 500 tons of hydrogen from the North African country using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technologies.
In a joint press release issued today, the two companies announced that they will conduct a joint feasibility study that will explore a hydrogen transport chain from Morocco to Europe using Hydrogenious‘ proven LOHC technology.
The feasibility study will begin by looking into the 15 GW AMUN project, which is located close to Tan Tan in Morocco, the two companies noted.
The project aims to create ammonia from green hydrogen to support the decarbonization of fertilizer and maritime shipping, among other uses.
The partners decided to explore LOHC to transport green hydrogen to Europe as it provides more flexibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Commenting on the partnership, CWP Global’s Chief Technology Officer Guido Schumacher said, “We are very pleased to be partnering with Hydrogenious on this study that will serve to further explore the viability of LOHCs for long-distance shipping of green hydrogen, using our 15 GW AMUN project as a model.”
“This marks another step in building the clean energy future we are working towards by identifying the most efficient and cost-effective solutions to deploying green hydrogen and its derivatives in support of Net Zero by 2050 goals.”
Hydrogen transportation
Hydrogen is vital to achieving a low-emission, environmentally friendly, and more sustainable energy system.
However, due to its low density and explosive nature, its storage and transport are technically challenging and very expensive.
According to the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), the Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology offers safe and efficient high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle oil, removing the need for pressurized containers for storage and delivery.
Capitalizing on Morocco’s significant green energy potential, CWP launched a major green hydrogen project called “AMUN,” which will deploy 15 GW of wind and solar energy in the Region of Guelmim-Oued Noun.
“With its Atlantic coastline ideal for wind and its vast inland deserts perfect for solar, Morocco has enormous potential for renewable energy production,” the companies said in the joint press release.
The AMUN project aims to generate green hydrogen, which will then be used for local ammonia synthesis and possibly exported via LOHC.
“Green ammonia can play an essential part in decarbonizing local industry and local agriculture thanks to its potential applications both as feedstock and fertilizer,” the companies explained in the press release.
Shipping green ammonia also poses a challenge due to its “hazard potential” and “additional investment in infrastructure.”
“Here, LOHC solutions can play an important role, allowing companies like CWP Global to directly ship hydrogen over long distances,” the companies noted.
The initiative comes as Morocco continues to invest in upgrading its already advanced renewable energy infrastructure.
In September 2022, Morocco’s Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) launched the first micro-pilot green hydrogen production system that will be used to generate green ammonia, green methanol, and other green products.
Read also: Morocco Establishes Its First Green Hydrogen Production System
