Berlin has entered into an agreement with Rabat to develop a large-scale sustainable green hydrogen network

Alemania impulsa el uso de hidrógeno verde en Marruecos: una victoria para la energía limpia

photo_camera PHOTO/ARCHIVO - Green hydrogen production in Morocco

Germany is committed to developing a sustainable green energy network with Morocco. It is investing in solar, wind and marine energy projects, as well as in the production of green hydrogen. It is seeking to take advantage of the geographical proximity between Morocco and Germany to improve energy connectivity between them. 

Meanwhile, France is also keen to strengthen its presence in Morocco in the race for green hydrogen. On 6 March, the French MEDEF delegation visited the country to examine possible opportunities for collaboration and to develop a programme of joint actions. Valérie Levkov, director of Africa, Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean for the French public group EDF, met with Moroccan authorities, led by the Moroccan National Hydrocarbons Office (ONHYM), to discuss the development of a national plan for clean hydrogen. This visit underlines the French interest in strengthening international cooperation in sustainable hydrogen production. French President Emmanuel Macron's last visit to Morocco was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of renewable energies, especially green hydrogen.  

In the framework of the negotiations on the EU's RED III Directive, Germany and Spain have opposed the French initiative to consider hydrogen produced from nuclear energy as "green". This position is supported by other European countries, such as Belgium, Denmark and Finland. While France wants hydrogen produced from nuclear power to be considered as a renewable energy, Germany and Spain argue that this is not necessary as there are many other renewable energy sources available. On the other hand, Germany is interested in developing the hydrogen economy to achieve the energy transition and improve its competitiveness in the renewable energy sector. Meanwhile, Paris is looking to build on its nuclear heritage to obtain cheap hydrogen. Berlin has invested resources and created alliances to develop renewable energy and hydrogen at low prices, so the Germans have found in Morocco a strategic partner to boost the renewable energy sector. 

Gasoducto Magreb Europa

The PAREMA agreement between Morocco and Germany is an energy partnership that aims to support the Kingdom in its transition to a sustainable economy. This is achieved through cooperation in research, development, training and know-how. The agreement also allows German companies to integrate into the Moroccan energy landscape, as well as the creation of a network of partnerships between educational institutions and German companies to promote know-how and technology transfer. 

Germany is developing a national hydrogen strategy to achieve decarbonisation of industry and transport and reduce dependence on Russian gas. The country is investing in the production of this gas locally, but also seeks to secure supply by investing in other countries. Morocco is one of the destinations of choice for this strategy, thanks to its geographical position, its sun and wind, and its infrastructure. Studies show that the price of hydrogen produced in the Kingdom would be one of the most competitive in the world, making Morocco an essential supplier of green hydrogen to Europe in general and Germany in particular. King Mohammed VI has decided to take steps to bring Morocco into the club of countries with high potential in the green hydrogen sector. He has therefore given instructions to develop an operation and an incentive called "Offer Morocco" that covers the entire value chain of the green hydrogen sector. This includes the regulatory and institutional framework, as well as the necessary infrastructure plan to ensure the development of this sector in the North African country.  

Hydrogen transport is a challenge for producing countries, and the use of pipelines is the best option to achieve this. Morocco is considering using the Maghreb-Europe pipeline to export its hydrogen to the European market, although it will require adaptation. The H2Med pipeline will have the capacity to transport up to 2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year once it becomes operational in 2030.

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