Casablanca – Morocco is ramping up efforts to bolster its energy infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) at an accelerated pace. This commitment reflects the country’s determination to enhance its energy sovereignty, reduce carbon emissions, and integrate with regional and global markets.
A significant achievement in this endeavor is the signing of a “Strategic Agreement Protocol” between key ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. The objective is to lay out a roadmap for sustainable LNG infrastructure.
The initiative aims to enhance coordination among public authorities to develop a sustainable gas infrastructure. Five public institutions and companies, including the National Ports Agency, the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, and the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, have joined the effort.
The program, spanning several years, entails the establishment of multiple crossing points and import outlets for LNG, as well as the development of infrastructure for natural gas storage and transportation.
In the short term, the focus is on supporting gas pipelines connecting local gas-producing basins with consumers. This includes the development of an LNG import station at the port of Nador West Med and the construction of a new gas pipeline connecting the station to the Maghreb-Europe pipeline.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s energy strategy includes accelerating the development of renewable energies, exploring opportunities in green hydrogen, and advancing projects such as the African-Atlantic gas pipeline.
The emphasis on sustainable energy infrastructure aligns with Morocco’s commitment to reduce emissions and transition away from fossil fuels. Natural gas, with its lower emissions compared to coal and oil, is poised to play a significant role in this transition, particularly in industrial sectors.
The economic benefits of developing gas infrastructure include cost reduction along the value chain, from importation to distribution. Morocco aims to transition industrial practices towards cleaner energy sources over the next decade to fifteen years.
Establishing infrastructure to receive gas will not only support Morocco’s energy goals but also contribute to its international climate commitments. By leveraging natural gas for electricity generation, Morocco aims to reduce its energy bills while advancing its green hydrogen agenda.
Figures released by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development indicate significant progress, with imports of approximately 9 Billion cubic meters of natural gas and 3 Billion cubic meters of LNG between 2021 and 2022. These quantities, which vary annually based on supply and demand, are primarily allocated to electricity generation and industrial use.
