Morocco plans to supply Europe with green hydrogen

Morocco aims to become a major exporter of green hydrogen from 2030, using billions of euros in investment to develop renewable energy and the infrastructure needed to deliver it to Europe, ORF reports. The plans are of interest to energy-intensive industries in Upper Austria.

The North African country is pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets. Its proximity to Europe, strong solar and wind resources and access to the sea make it a potential production and export hub. About 14 kilometres of water separate Europe and Africa at their closest point in the region. Morocco has recently designated around one million hectares of land for green hydrogen development.

Upper Austrian Economy Minister Markus Achleitner said hydrogen would play a key role for the province’s industry, which he described as Austria’s most energy-intensive. He said a delegation visiting Morocco wanted to learn from the country’s experience. Infrastructure Minister Günther Steinkellner said energy, transport and industry needed to develop together.

Morocco plans to raise renewables’ share of electricity generation to 50 per cent by 2027. The share currently stands at 37 per cent. Its Offre Maroc Hydrogène Vert initiative is intended to encourage investment and develop a competitive hydrogen industry.

Mourad Hajjaji, general manager of Morocco’s Green H2 Cluster, said green hydrogen could cost about five dollars per kilogram. He said the country’s production costs could allow it to supply existing European industries while covering export and transport expenses.

Seven projects have advanced to the next phase of discussions with the Moroccan government, Hajjaji said. Together, they envisage 15 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity.

The route for transporting hydrogen to Europe has not yet been settled. There is no pipeline dedicated to hydrogen across the Strait of Gibraltar. Morocco is working on near-term options to ship the fuel from ports while also planning pipeline connections. Existing natural gas pipelines could potentially be converted to carry hydrogen, Achleitner said.

During the visit, the Upper Austrian delegation toured the port complex in Tangier, where hydrogen could be stored and ships could eventually be refuelled. Steinkellner said it would be important for the fuel to reach major industrial companies in Upper Austria.