Morocco has approved a series of ambitious green hydrogen projects valued at 319 billion dirhams ($32.5 billion), marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy strategy. A government committee announced the selection of major international and domestic companies to spearhead the production of green ammonia, steel, and industrial fuel.

The approved projects include ventures by the United States' Ortus, Spain's Acciona, and Germany's Nordex, all focused on green ammonia production. Additionally, the UAE’s Taqa and Spain’s Cepsa will collaborate on producing ammonia and industrial fuel. Moroccan energy firm Nareva has secured approval for a multi-faceted project involving ammonia, fuel, and steel production, while Saudi Arabia's Acwa Power will concentrate solely on steel manufacturing. China’s UEG and China Three Gorges will join forces to establish an ammonia production facility.

As part of its commitment to fostering these projects, Morocco will allocate up to 30,000 hectares of land to each initiative once a preliminary agreement is signed. The government aims to position itself as a leader in green hydrogen production, both to meet domestic energy needs and to capitalize on export opportunities, particularly to the European Union. The EU’s Green Deal calls for the import of 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, creating a strong market for Morocco’s emerging green hydrogen sector.

The country has been laying the groundwork for large-scale green hydrogen development. In March 2023, Morocco announced an initial phase that would allocate 300,000 hectares for integrated projects covering renewable electricity generation, electrolysis, and the conversion of green hydrogen into ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels. Several international energy giants have already secured agreements to participate in this transition. In October, France’s TotalEnergies signed a deal with the Moroccan government to develop green hydrogen infrastructure. Meanwhile, Engie partnered with Moroccan phosphates and fertilizer giant OCP to produce ammonia derived from green hydrogen, reinforcing Morocco’s ambitions in sustainable industrial development.

With renewable energy currently accounting for 45% of Morocco’s installed power capacity, the country has set an ambitious goal to raise this share to 52% by 2030. The green hydrogen projects align with this broader vision, positioning Morocco as a key player in the global shift towards clean energy. By leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, Morocco aims to attract further investment, strengthen its energy security, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.

These approvals signal Morocco’s readiness to become a regional hub for green hydrogen and sustainable industrial production, fostering economic growth while supporting international climate targets.