Casablanca – In a groundbreaking move, Morocco is set to join the ranks of natural gas producers by the end of 2025, marking a significant step toward reducing its dependence on imported energy. This milestone is driven by the development of the Tendrara gas field, located in the eastern part of the country, and the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility by the British company Sound Energy.

Until now, Morocco has relied heavily on energy imports to meet its domestic needs. The country currently produces less than 100 million cubic meters of natural gas annually, mainly from small, depleting fields in the western part of the country. To meet its national demand, which exceeds 1 billion cubic meters annually, Morocco has relied on imports, primarily through the Maghreb-Europe pipeline that brings natural gas from Algeria via Spain. However, with reserves declining and the need for energy security becoming ever more critical, Morocco is determined to bolster its self-sufficiency.

Sound Energy has been at the forefront of this transition, spearheading the development of the Tendrara field. The project, which is in its final stages, includes the construction of a liquefaction plant designed to process natural gas extracted from the field and convert it into LNG for both domestic consumption and international export. The Tendrara field is one of Morocco’s largest and most promising natural gas reserves, with estimated resources of 10.67 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

According to Graham Lyon, CEO of Sound Energy, the initial production of LNG will start in autumn 2025, with an estimated output of 10 million cubic feet per day (roughly 283,000 m³). This output will be used to meet Morocco’s growing energy needs and reduce its reliance on imports. Lyon also highlighted that the production capacity could quadruple to 40 million cubic feet per day (approximately 1.13 million m³) in the future as additional fields are developed.

To ensure the effective transportation of gas from Tendrara to Morocco’s national grid, Sound Energy is collaborating with the Managem Group on a 120-kilometer pipeline. The pipeline will connect the field to the Maghreb-Europe pipeline, which is already used for imports from Spain. This infrastructure will allow the gas to be distributed both domestically and internationally, enhancing Morocco’s position in the regional energy market. The total investment in the pipeline project is expected to reach around $400 million.

This move into natural gas production is seen as a major step forward for Morocco’s energy strategy. It not only helps diversify the country’s energy sources but also reduces its exposure to global energy price fluctuations. Moreover, it is expected to create new economic opportunities by reducing energy costs for key industries such as phosphate production, ceramics, and steel manufacturing, which are crucial to Morocco’s economy.

In parallel with the development of Tendrara, Sound Energy has committed to further investments in the region. The company plans to invest $25 million in new exploration and drilling operations to uncover additional reserves, ensuring the sustainability of the project in the long term. The company is also exploring the potential of hydrogen production, with plans to tap into the emerging white hydrogen market, which is gaining global attention as a clean energy alternative.

In a move to further solidify its position in Morocco’s energy sector, Managem, a leading mining company, recently acquired a 55% stake in Sound Energy’s Moroccan assets, including the Tendrara concession. This partnership strengthens the involvement of Managem in Morocco’s growing energy industry, which is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

This transition into natural gas production is more than just a commercial opportunity for Morocco—it is a strategic milestone that will contribute to the nation’s energy independence, economic development, and increased influence in the regional energy market. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, Morocco’s new role as an LNG producer will enhance its competitiveness and secure its energy future.