In a collaborative effort to drive decarbonization initiatives, GE Vernova’s Gas Power business (GE), the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), and Nareva, a Moroccan independent power generation specialist, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement sets the stage for a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at decarbonizing Morocco's Laâyoune Power Plant, a facility currently propelled by three GE Vernova 6B heavy-duty gas turbines.

The ambitious endeavor positions the Laâyoune Power Plant to make history as the first facility in Africa to leverage green hydrogen as a fuel source for gas turbines. This transformative collaboration underscores Morocco's steadfast commitment to hastening its energy transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future, with a particular emphasis on revolutionizing the power generation sector.

Outlined in the MoU, ONEE, Nareva, and GE Vernova are set to undertake techno-economic evaluation studies, exploring the conversion of the Laâyoune Thermal Power Plant's existing heavy oil fuel system to one powered by hydrogen. The initial focus will be on the conversion of a single gas turbine to operate exclusively on 100 percent hydrogen. Anticipated to unfold over a two-year span, the comprehensive study will scrutinize an integrated solution covering the entire production value chain. The ultimate objective is to supply 100 percent hydrogen to the gas turbine during peak demand periods. The insights garnered from this assessment will serve as the blueprint for the complete integration of gas turbines with green hydrogen, striving for the ambitious goal of achieving 100% decarbonization at the Laâyoune Power Plant.

The province of Laâyoune is experiencing a surge in renewable energy projects, with a burgeoning interest in hydrogen as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Morocco has set its sights on elevating its renewable electricity capacity from the current 40% to an impressive 52% by 2030. ONEE's maiden pilot project, with its focus on carbon emissions reduction at the Laâyoune Power Plant, positions Morocco as a leader in advancing power sector decarbonization efforts.

This groundbreaking project not only aligns with Morocco's climate change commitments but also encapsulates the nation's vision of seamlessly integrating hydrogen into its national energy mix. The overarching goal is to diminish dependence on traditional power sources while concurrently mitigating carbon emissions associated with power generation activities. The collaborative efforts of GE Vernova, ONEE, and Nareva signify a significant stride towards realizing these objectives and contributing to the global imperative of sustainable energy practices.