Agadir – Morocco is advancing efforts to develop local expertise in green hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies through the third edition of the Green Hydrogen Morocco Camp.
Held from July 6 to 11 at the campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, the initiative aimed to strengthen technical skills and foster collaboration around emerging clean energy technologies.
The camp was organized by GIZ Morocco through the Green Relaunch project, in partnership with the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) and UM6P’s Laboratory of Inorganic Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies (LIMSET).
The event gathered students and young professionals from universities across Morocco, alongside national and international experts, institutional representatives, and industrial partners.
Representatives from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Morocco, GIZ Morocco, IRESEN, and UM6P attended the opening ceremony.
Training on green hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies
During the week, participants engaged in an intensive program combining technical courses, practical workshops, case studies, research platform visits, and collaborative activities focused on the green hydrogen value chain.
The training covered key areas including renewable energy technologies, hydrogen production, electrolysis, and Power-to-X applications such as ammonia, methanol, and e-fuels. Participants also explored topics related to infrastructure, storage, safety standards, sustainability requirements, economic modeling, and technical project design.
As part of the program, participants visited several research and innovation facilities in Benguerir, including the Green Energy Park, the Green & Smart Building Park, and UM6P facilities. The visits provided participants with practical exposure to applied research and real-world infrastructure linked to clean energy development.
The camp concluded with a hackathon, with participants working in teams to develop solutions addressing challenges related to the green hydrogen sector. The teams presented their concepts before a jury, showcasing approaches combining technical innovation, economic considerations, and industrial feasibility.
“Developing talent is an essential component of the energy transition,” said Abdessamad Faik, Director of LIMSET and Professor at UM6P. He added that the camp creates opportunities to strengthen technical skills, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and connect learning with research and innovation.
Developing talent as a pillar of energy transition
“At UM6P, we consider talent development as an essential component of the energy transition. By bringing together students, researchers, industry experts, and institutional partners, the Green Hydrogen Morocco Camp has, for the third consecutive year, created opportunities to strengthen technical skills, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and connect learning with research and innovation,” said Abdessamad Faik, Director of LIMSET and Professor at UM6P
“Building these capacities today represents an important step in supporting the development of Morocco’s green hydrogen ecosystem,” he added.
For GIZ Morocco, developing specialized skills remains a central element in preparing for the future hydrogen economy.
“Developing the skills required for the green hydrogen economy is a key pillar of Morocco’s energy transition,” said Klas Heising, Head of the Green Relaunch Project – GIZ Morocco.
“Through the Green Relaunch project, GIZ Morocco is proud to work alongside its Moroccan partners to empower the next generation of professionals to contribute to building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable green hydrogen ecosystem.”
Women’s participation in science and innovation
Since its launch, the Green Hydrogen Morocco Camp has brought together more than 250 participants, speakers, and experts from universities and institutions across Morocco, contributing to the development of a growing community focused on green hydrogen and clean energy innovation.
The initiative has placed particular emphasis on promoting diversity and encouraging greater participation of women in science and innovation fields.
For Samir Rachidi, Director General of IRESEN, “what gives this initiative its true meaning is seeing young talents from diverse backgrounds come together around a shared ambition for Morocco’s energy future.” He explained: “This year, we are particularly pleased to see that women represent 60% of participants, which is a strong and encouraging signal for the future of science, innovation, and green hydrogen in Morocco.”
IRESEN is “convinced that preparing the next generation also means creating spaces where young people can learn, exchange ideas, and gain confidence in their ability to contribute,” he concluded.
