Casablanca – Morocco is taking significant steps to develop its natural gas sector, as outlined by Leila Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. The ministry has recently updated its national strategy to enhance the production and utilization of natural gas, emphasizing the establishment of essential infrastructure for this crucial sector.

In March 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed among several key ministries, including Finance, Interior, Equipment and Water, alongside five public institutions involved in the gas industry. This collaborative approach aims to streamline efforts and improve coordination among stakeholders.

On July 9, 2024, the first meeting of the steering committee dedicated to developing gas infrastructure took place, marking a vital step in advancing the sector. Additionally, a workshop held on May 31, 2024, brought together both Moroccan and international private sector participants to present a new vision for the gas sector. This workshop focused on accelerating projects in Tendrara and Larache and highlighted various initiatives outlined in the updated roadmap.

Benali emphasized that these efforts are already yielding positive results, with significant investments from both Moroccan and foreign entities in the sector during the first half of the current government term. Notably, a foreign company divested approximately one billion dollars in assets from Egypt, Italy, and Croatia to concentrate on its investments off the coast of Larache. Furthermore, a private Moroccan company has pledged 35 million dollars to expedite the Tendrara project.

The minister expressed pride in Morocco’s evolving energy landscape, positioning the country as a pivotal corridor for green energy transit between Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. She attributed these advancements to royal directives that have bolstered the nation’s energy sovereignty amid global market challenges.