Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen

Morocco’s Potential for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

Thanks to its significant wind and solar resources, the country can produce renewable energy at highly competitive costs. Its proximity to Europe and existing energy connections further support the potential for hydrogen exports. With the National Hydrogen Strategy (2021) and the investment program “Offre Maroc” (2024), Morocco aims to develop a competitive hydrogen economy. Projections suggest that the country could meet more than 4% of global hydrogen demand by 2030.

Green hydrogen is considered a central element in Morocco’s plans to decarbonize its economy, strengthen energy security, create jobs, and increase economic value. In this context, cooperation with international partners is becoming increasingly relevant, as the development of Morocco’s hydrogen sector relies on technological progress, investment, and long-term market collaboration.

Morocco and Germany cooperation in Green Hydrogen

Since Morocco started focusing on green hydrogen, the country has been working closely with Germany to address the challenges of developing this emerging market. A key milestone was the launch of the Power-to-X (PtX) Alliance in 2020, which aims to advance the development of technologies and pilot projects for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives, laying the groundwork for potential future exports.

To enable future hydrogen trade, various transport routes are under consideration, including a direct pipeline connection, maritime shipping via Moroccan ports, and carriers such as ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC). Morocco is seen as a potential extension of the H2Med Corridor, which the EU and Germany have identified as a major channel for hydrogen supply to Europe. These transport options are also relevant in the context of Germany’s Hydrogen Import Strategy, which foresees meeting 50-70% of its hydrogen demand by 2030 through imports supported by long-term contracts and infrastructure development.

Milestones

Recognition by the World Energy Council

2018 – In a study titled “Power-to-X Roadmap,” commissioned by the World Energy Council, Morocco was identified as one of six countries with significant potential for the production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Creation of the National Hydrogen Commission

2019 – To coordinate efforts and ensure a unified national approach to hydrogen development, Morocco established a National Hydrogen Commission, bringing together key ministries and institutions, including UM6P, ONEE, MASEN, ONHYM, IRESEN, ENSMR, and CGEM.

H2 Morocco Strategy

2021 – Morocco is the first lower/middle-income country worldwide to publish a dedicated Hydrogen Strategy (H2 Morocco) , setting out a clear roadmap for scaling up green hydrogen production and integrating it into the national energy matrix.

Offre Maroc

2024 – Morocco introduced Offre Maroc, as a comprehensive investment framework designed to accelerate private sector participation and fast-track integrated hydrogen projects.

Morocco’s National Hydrogen Strategy

Morocco officially adopted its National Hydrogen Strategy in June 2021 with the publication of the Green Hydrogen Roadmap. It outlines the country’s necessary steps to become a key player in the global green hydrogen market and is structured around three major phases, each corresponding to a different stage of maturity in the hydrogen sector.

In this initial phase, Morocco focuses on laying the foundations of its green hydrogen sector. Two main priorities are identified:

Local use, particularly for producing green ammonia to supply the fertilizer industry.

Export of hydrogen-based derivatives, targeting international markets with ambitious decarbonization goals.

The country also plans to explore natural hydrogen potential. Development at this stage is expected to be driven by pilot and demonstration projects, supported by public actors and both national and international financing institutions.
By the 2030s, with decreasing production costs and evolving regulatory frameworks, Morocco aims to launch its first economically viable projects in green hydrogen and ammonia for both domestic and export markets.

This phase envisions:

The emergence of synthetic fuels (e.g. green kerosene, diesel, and gasoline) for export, especially if destination countries adopt supportive climate policies.

A growing role for green hydrogen in grid stability and energy storage.

Pilot uses in heavy transport, allowing for adaptation and eventual large-scale deployment.
In the final stage, technological progress and market expansion are expected to significantly improve the profitability of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Green hydrogen will become a cross-sectoral energy carrier, with applications expanding to industry, residential heating, urban mobility, and potentially air transport.

The 2021 strategy identifies eight priority actions to accelerate the development of Morocco’s green hydrogen ecosystem:

Offre Maroc

Offre Maroc is a comprehensive framework designed to encourage private investment in integrated solutions for developing a hydrogen economy, encompassing renewable energy production, hydrogen generation, hydrogen derivatives, and related infrastructure. The program was launched in March 2024 under the directive of King Mohammed VI with a total budget exceeding 319 billion dirhams (approximately 30 billion euros), complementing the previous hydrogen strategy.

Offre Maroc provides a set of incentives and support measures for companies along the green hydrogen value chain:

A total of 1 million hectares of land will be allocated, with an initial phase offering 300,000 hectares divided into parcels ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 hectares.
Investors benefit from exemptions from VAT and customs duties, as well as advantages granted through the recently introduced “New Investment Charter”.
Public institutions such as ONEE and MASEN are tasked with conducting feasibility studies and economic analyses related to hydrogen infrastructure.
MASEN serves as the primary point of contact for investors throughout the process.

In March 2025, a first batch of five projects was selected, featuring consortia that include companies from Morocco, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Spain, and Germany.

The application process is still open for new projects that can be submitted via Masen's Submission Platform.