Morocco has approved green hydrogen projects worth 319 billion dirhams ($32.5 billion). These projects aim to boost renewable energy, strengthen the local industry, and expand exports to the European Union.
A government committee selected several companies to lead the projects. U.S.-based Ortus, Spain’s Acciona, and Germany’s Nordex will develop green ammonia plants. However, the prime minister’s office did not provide details on project timelines or funding sources.
The UAE’s Taqa and Spain’s Cepsa will produce ammonia and fuel. Moroccan energy firm Nareva will manufacture ammonia, fuel, and steel. Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power will focus on steel production, while Chinese companies UEG and China Three Gorges will collaborate on ammonia production.
Each project will receive up to 30,000 hectares of land once a preliminary agreement is signed. The government sees green hydrogen—produced through electrolysis using renewable energy—as essential for energy independence. It also wants to become a key supplier to the EU, which plans to import 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030.
Last March, Morocco launched the first phase of its green hydrogen strategy. It allocated 300,000 hectares for integrated projects. These projects will include renewable energy generation, electrolysis, and the conversion of green hydrogen into ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuel.
Several global companies have already partnered with Morocco. In October, France’s TotalEnergies signed an agreement to develop green hydrogen projects. French energy company Engie also partnered with Morocco’s phosphate and fertilizer giant OCP to produce ammonia from green hydrogen.
Morocco aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy capacity from 45/percent to 52/percent by 2030. These projects will play a key role in reaching that goal while positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s clean energy transition.