Morocco Plans Conversion of Gas-Powered Plant into Green Hydrogen Facility

In a bid to revolutionize power generation and foster environmental sustainability, three organizations in Morocco have united to initiate a groundbreaking project aimed at decarbonizing energy production. This ambitious endeavor involves the conversion of a gas-fired power plant to utilize hydrogen fuel, coupled with the establishment of a robust hydrogen production supply chain. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), brings together GE Vernova’s gas power business, Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (Onee), and Nareva, a leading Moroccan renewable energy firm.

The primary objective outlined in the MoU entails conducting an extensive feasibility study focused on decarbonizing Onee’s 99MW Laâyoune power plant. Equipped with three GE Vernova 6B gas turbines, this facility plays a crucial role in providing peaking power, especially in a region experiencing a surge in renewable energy generation.

The initial phase of this collaborative effort will concentrate on retrofitting one of the gas turbines to operate on hydrogen fuel, with the ultimate aim of supplying 100% hydrogen by volume to the gas turbine during peak demand periods. Insights gleaned from the assessment phase will guide subsequent actions towards seamlessly integrating the gas turbines with green hydrogen, thereby facilitating the complete decarbonization of the Laâyoune power plant. This pilot project represents a significant stride for Morocco in its pursuit of decarbonizing the power sector and embracing sustainable energy practices.

The implications of this agreement extend far beyond the immediate context, symbolizing a pivotal milestone in Morocco's endeavor to accelerate the integration of hydrogen into the national energy landscape. By reducing dependency on conventional power sources and curbing carbon emissions associated with power generation activities, Morocco aspires to chart a more sustainable and environmentally responsible trajectory.

Nareva, one of the collaborating entities, boasts an impressive portfolio comprising 2GW of renewable assets across various stages of operation, construction, and development. Notably, its subsidiary, EEM, plays a key role in the ambitious 850MW Tarfaya wind project, undertaken in partnership with Engie and Onee. This transformative initiative entails the establishment of five wind farms strategically located in Moroccan districts, including Midelt, Tiskrad, Tangier, Jbel Lahdid, and Boujdour, underscoring Morocco's unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.

Nareva has emerged as a significant player in the fields of electricity generation and water resource management. Nareva is deeply committed to advancing the production of electricity and the management of water supplies, with a primary focus on deploying cutting-edge, contextually relevant, and environmentally sustainable solutions. GE Vernova is at the forefront of accelerating the transition towards more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.