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Rabat — Morocco is positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, with ambitious plans to produce 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity while simultaneously developing its natural gas infrastructure, according to Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali.
Speaking during the weekly oral questions session in the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister Benali outlined Morocco’s comprehensive energy strategy and pushed back against criticism that the government has failed to achieve energy sovereignty in the renewable sector.
Doubling current energy capacity
The minister noted that Morocco’s 20-gigawatt renewable energy target represents twice its current installed capacity, an ambitious goal pursued through multiple projects involving more than 23 government institutions in coordination across the energy sector.
“We have not failed to achieve energy sovereignty in the field of green hydrogen,” Benali said. “Morocco is a model in this field, and it is time to exploit the qualifications it enjoys thanks to its strategic location close to the European continent, as well as its infrastructure, logistics, and important renewable energy reserves,” she explained.
Green hydrogen ambitions
The minister likened Morocco’s green hydrogen potential to Saudi Arabia’s influence in traditional energy markets. She pointed to the North African country’s strategic advantages, including its proximity to Europe, developed industrial infrastructure, and abundant renewable energy resources.
Morocco’s “Green Hydrogen Offer” offers comprehensive incentive frameworks covering investment, taxation, and customs policies designed to support project developers and ensure better implementation outcomes, Benali added.
This strategic approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for green hydrogen development.
The implementation pace of Morocco’s green hydrogen initiative has accelerated significantly, with six national and international investment consortium selected to develop seven green hydrogen projects, which span three regions in southern Morocco, namely Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.
According to the minister, this development “reflects Morocco’s commitment to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving its sustainable energy objectives.”
The geographic distribution across the southern provinces leverages these regions’ exceptional solar and wind resources, positioning them as key drivers of Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions.
Natural gas infrastructure development
Alongside renewable energy expansion, Morocco is investing heavily in natural gas infrastructure. Minister Benali revealed that pipeline investments alone exceed $700 million to transport natural gas from Nador to the Maghreb-Europe Pipeline and industrial zones in Mohammedia and Kenitra.
The government has conducted extensive consultations with several OPEC member countries despite successive global crises, demonstrating Morocco’s commitment to achieving comprehensive energy sovereignty.
Major infrastructure projects
A key component of Morocco’s energy strategy involves establishing the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal at the West Mediterranean port of Nador. This facility will connect to a new gas pipeline network linking to the existing Maghreb-Europe Pipeline.
The infrastructure will supply both current and future power plants operated by the National Office of Electricity and Potable Water (ONEE), while also serving industrial zones extending to Kenitra and Mohammedia.
