Rabat – The Moroccan government is offering one million hectares for companies looking to invest in the country’s rising green hydrogen industry.
According to a statement from the Head of the Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the government has officially activated its public offer for the investors, which aims to attract investments into Morocco’s green hydrogen industry.
Dubbed “The Moroccan Offer,” the plan is based on a “comprehensive, practical, and transparent approach that provides investors with a clear vision,” the statement says.
Under the plan, investors have access to 300,000 hectares during the initial phase. The land will be distributed among parcels ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 hectares, according to the size of the expected projects.
The statement adds that around 100 national and international investors have already expressed their interest in “The Moroccan Offer.”
Following the implementation of the Moroccan Offer, the statement says that the government is set to develop the necessary infrastructure to propel the development of the green hydrogen sector.
“Green hydrogen is expected to be a key driver of energy and a major catalyst for energy transition and sustainable growth in the Kingdom under the wise leadership of His Majesty,” the statement maintains.
The statement continues: “This emerging sector will be a turning point for the Moroccan economy amidst the economic, social, environmental, and technological challenges it faces.”
The Moroccan Offer applies to green electricity production projects from renewable energies and electrolysis to converting green hydrogen into ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels, as well as related logistical services.
“The Moroccan Offer” targets investors or consortiums of investors interested in producing green hydrogen and its derivatives, whether for the domestic market, export, or both.
To ensure the successful implementation of “The Moroccan Offer,” the investment framework agreements between the state and the investor include specific clauses regarding meeting schedules for regular evaluations of progress in the project implementation.
This all is within a relationship characterized by full transparency and adherence to confidentiality rules between the state and the investor.
Green hydrogen production in Morocco
In recent years, Morocco has made significant strides to accommodate investments in green hydrogen.
Converging reports highlighted the advantages of sourcing green hydrogen from Morocco, given its potential for cost-effective green fuel production.
Green hydrogen is currently regarded as an eco-friendly alternative to oil. As the global shift towards more sustainability accelerates, there is a projected exponential increase in the demand for green hydrogen.
A 2023 report from the European Conservatives revealed that Europe is already planning substantial investments in green hydrogen and solar panel projects, primarily involving Morocco, Egypt, and southern Africa.
According to the European Conservatives, the European Investment Bank has estimated that Africa’s capacity for green hydrogen production could represent a 1 trillion-euro investment opportunity.
It is anticipated that the continent will achieve an annual green hydrogen production capacity of 50 million tonnes by 2035, offering a highly competitive price of $2 per kilogram or less.
