Rabat – The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has announced signing a deal with Moroccan energy company Nareva, and GE Vernova’s Gas Power branch aiming to decarbonize the Laayoune fuel power plant.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves converting the power plant to run on green hydrogen, making it the first of its kind in Africa.
The collaboration puts Morocco one step ahead in its broader strategy to achieve carbon-free electricity production. ONEE and Nareva are planning to explore hydrogen as a viable alternative to heavy fuels, leveraging GE Vernova’s expertise in gas turbines.
The Laayoune power plant is currently fueled by heavy oil and features three high-performance GE Vernova 6B gas turbines with a total installed capacity of 99 Megawatts (MW).
The ambitious plan covers an in-depth feasibility study exploring joint solutions for the production, storage, and supply of green hydrogen for the Laayoune power plant. The study aims to assess the technical and economic aspects of converting the 99 MW thermal power plant to operate on hydrogen.
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The initial focus will be on converting one of the gas turbines to run on 100% green hydrogen. The study, expected to conclude within two years, aims to establish a comprehensive solution that integrates the entire production value chain, providing 100% green hydrogen during peak consumption periods.
GE Vernova will play a pivotal role in supplying green hydrogen produced at Nareva’s wind farm in Laayoune to power the converted gas turbine.
The project is in line with Morocco’s national strategy aiming to increase its share of renewable electricity production from the current 40% to 52% by 2030.
Once implemented, the Laayoune power plant will be the first in Africa to use green hydrogen to fuel high-performance gas turbines.
Commenting on the news, ONEE’s General Director El Hafidi Abderrahim expressed his optimism. He stated that the project would propel Morocco toward a low-carbon future by initiating a pioneering pilot project to decarbonize a heavy-fuel oil-powered plant.
On his part, Nareva’s CEO Aymane Taud emphasized the company’s commitment to contributing to national energy goals and promoting competitive decarbonization. The company is working towards this commitment through complementary initiatives in renewable energy, hydrogen production, and efficient gas combustion technologies.
Meanwhile, Joseph Anis – President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – highlighted the collaboration’s role in supporting Morocco’s climate change commitments and providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source.
