Today, Thursday, October 24, in Rabat, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired the meeting of the leadership committee in charge of “Morocco’s bid” in the field of green hydrogen, during which the initial selection of a group of projects took place, covering mainly the three regions of the southern regions of the Kingdom, namely the Guelmim region. Oued Noun, the Laayoune-Sakia El-Hamra destination, and the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab destination, where the discussion will be in-depth in this regard with the project holders.
In implementation of the Royal Instructions, aimed at accelerating the implementation of “Morocco’s offer” in the field of green hydrogen with the necessary quality, and responding to national and international project holders in this promising field, the leadership committee headed by the Prime Minister studied during the meeting the contractual framework related to the public real estate base allocated for the implementation of the projects, And the mechanisms to ensure its proper use.
This step comes after the committee discussed, in its previous meeting, the methodology adopted in evaluating and selecting project proposals received by the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), which numbered 40 project applications submitted by Moroccan and foreign project holders who wish to produce green hydrogen and its derivatives, whether intended. For the internal market, for export, or for both.
To ensure the success of the implementation of the “Morocco Offer”, in implementation of the High Royal Directives, the investment framework agreements that bring together the state and project owners include provisions related to the dates of meetings in order to regularly evaluate the progress achieved in implementing projects in this sector.
This meeting was attended by Abdelwafi Laftit, Minister of the Interior, Nadia Fattah, Minister of Economy and Finance, Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, Riad Mazour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Conduct and Evaluation of Public Policies, and Tarek Mufaddal, President and Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy. (Mazen).
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Interview with Dr. Sofia El Idrissi, Renewable Energy Expert
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El Idrissi. We’ve just learned about the recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in Rabat regarding Morocco’s green hydrogen initiatives. What does this mean for the country’s renewable energy strategy?
Dr. El Idrissi: Thank you for having me. This meeting marks a significant step in Morocco’s commitment to becoming a leader in green hydrogen production. The focus on the southern regions, particularly Guelmim, Laayoune-Sakia El-Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, showcases the government’s intention to leverage the rich renewable resources of these areas, particularly solar and wind energy.
Interviewer: Why specifically these regions, and what advantages do they offer for green hydrogen projects?
Dr. El Idrissi: These southern regions are blessed with abundant sunlight and strong winds, essential for harnessing renewable energy. The geographical positioning allows for large-scale solar farms and wind turbines, which are crucial for producing green hydrogen. Moreover, developing these areas can stimulate local economies and create jobs, making it a win-win situation.
Interviewer: The meeting involved initial selections of several projects. What criteria do you think were used to determine these projects?
Dr. El Idrissi: Likely, the criteria would include technological feasibility, potential return on investment, sustainability, and alignment with national energy goals. Additionally, the ability to integrate these projects into existing infrastructure and their capacity to create local employment would also be critical factors.
Interviewer: How do you see this initiative aligning with global trends towards hydrogen energy?
Dr. El Idrissi: Morocco is aligning itself with a global shift where countries are exploring hydrogen as a clean energy source to reduce carbon emissions. As Europe increases its demand for green hydrogen, Morocco—given its resources—could become a key supplier. This positions the country not just for energy independence but also for a prominent role in international markets.
Interviewer: Lastly, what are the potential challenges Morocco might face in this endeavor?
Dr. El Idrissi: Some challenges may include securing funding for these projects, developing the necessary infrastructure, and ensuring that the technology is accessible and adapted to local conditions. Furthermore, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial for success.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. El Idrissi, for sharing your insights on this pivotal initiative for Morocco’s future in renewable energy.
Dr. El Idrissi: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Collaborate with local stakeholders and ensure community benefits would also play a crucial role in the evaluation process. It’s important for the selected projects to not only be economically viable but also socially responsible.
Interviewer: The committee discussed a contractual framework for the public real estate necessary for these projects. Why is this step important?
Dr. El Idrissi: Establishing a clear contractual framework is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability. It outlines the terms under which land will be allocated for project development, helping to prevent disputes in the future. Moreover, it ensures that the projects are implemented efficiently and effectively, adhering to the Royal Instructions aimed at accelerating Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions.
Interviewer: Lastly, considering the interest from both national and international project holders, what could this mean for Morocco’s position in the global renewable energy market?
Dr. El Idrissi: Morocco has the potential to become a major player in the green hydrogen market, especially as countries around the world are looking to transition to cleaner energy sources. By attracting international investments and collaboration, Morocco can establish itself as a hub for green hydrogen production and export. This not only strengthens our economy but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable development on a global scale.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. El Idrissi, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
Dr. El Idrissi: Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to discuss such a promising future for Morocco’s energy sector.
