Casablanca – Morocco is taking significant steps to establish itself as a global leader in green hydrogen, leveraging its vast solar and wind resources to attract international investors. As part of its national strategy for clean energy, the government has selected six major projects for green hydrogen production, with a total investment of $32.9 billion. These initiatives will be developed across three southern regions, reinforcing the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable industrial growth.

Key investments and selected companies

On March 6, 2025, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting in Rabat, during which five investment groups were chosen to develop the projects. These consortia include leading international companies specializing in hydrogen and renewable energy production.

The selected companies are:

  • ORNX Consortium: A collaboration between Ortus (USA), Acciona (Spain), and Nordex (Germany), focusing on ammonia production.
  • Second Consortium: Formed by TAQA (UAE) and Cepsa (Spain), investing in ammonia and synthetic fuel production.
  • Nareva (Morocco): Specializing in ammonia, industrial fuel, and green steel production.
  • ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia): Also planning to produce green steel.
  • Chinese Consortium: Comprised of UEG and China Three Gorges, dedicated to ammonia production.

Each project will receive up to 30,000 hectares of land, ensuring that companies have adequate space for large-scale hydrogen and renewable energy operations. The Moroccan government has also earmarked a total of 1 million hectares for future hydrogen projects, with an initial phase of 300,000 hectares currently available.

Government strategy and vision

These projects align with Morocco’s “Green Hydrogen Offer”, a national strategy designed to position the country among the world’s leading hydrogen exporters.

Morocco’s geographic proximity to Europe, coupled with its abundant renewable energy resources, gives the country a strategic advantage in the global hydrogen market. According to projections by Masen (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy), Morocco could supply over 4% of the world’s green hydrogen demand by 2030.

To attract foreign investors, Morocco has implemented fiscal and regulatory incentives, simplifying investment procedures while ensuring that projects adhere to high environmental and operational standards.

Expansion beyond initial projects

In addition to the six newly selected projects, Morocco has already signed two major agreements in October 2024, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron.

  • The first agreement, signed with TotalEnergies, focuses on implementing the Green Hydrogen Offer.
  • The second, a partnership between the OCP Group and ENGIE, includes five additional projects, one of which specifically targets green hydrogen production.

Opportunities and challenges

While these investments signal a positive shift toward sustainable energy, some industry observers have raised concerns about certain foreign partnerships. Past experiences, such as Morocco’s partnership with ACWA Power for the Noor Solar Plant, highlight the importance of strong oversight and efficient project management to avoid potential operational setbacks.

To address these concerns, the government has implemented a strict selection process, ensuring that each investor meets scientific and transparency-based criteria. The selected companies will also be required to sign preliminary agreements guaranteeing the responsible use of public land and resources.

Morocco’s clean energy leadership

Morocco’s green hydrogen strategy is part of its broader energy transition plan, which has already positioned the country as a leader in renewable energy. The kingdom currently generates nearly 40% of its electricity from renewable sources, with a goal to increase this share to 52% by 2030.

The upcoming hydrogen projects will further strengthen Morocco’s energy independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. The country also aims to become a major exporter of green ammonia and hydrogen-based fuels, particularly to European markets seeking cleaner energy solutions.

With the global hydrogen market projected to grow exponentially, Morocco’s proactive approach ensures that it remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation. By securing strategic investments, implementing rigorous oversight, and leveraging its natural advantages, Morocco is solidifying its place as a key player in the future of sustainable energy.