The Net-Zero Circle

Beyond Phosphates: Morocco’s $32.5B Green Hydrogen Play for Global Energy Dominance

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A Record Investment That Signals a New Era

Morocco has taken one of its boldest steps yet in the global energy transition by approving green hydrogen projects valued at 319 billion dirhams ($32.5 billion) , the largest such program in North Africa and one of the most significant clean energy commitments on the continent. The projects will focus on producing green ammonia, industrial fuels, and even green steel, positioning Morocco as both a pioneer and a heavyweight in the race for hydrogen supremacy.

Government officials confirmed that each individual project will receive land allocations of up to 30,000 hectares, creating vast clean energy zones powered by solar and wind. The unprecedented scale makes this initiative not only a domestic milestone, but a historic moment for Africa’s role in the global clean energy economy.

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Energy Titans Join Morocco’s Campaign

The scope of the investment has attracted some of the world’s most formidable energy companies. U.S.-based Ortus, Spain’s Acciona, and Germany’s Nordex will lead large-scale ammonia facilities, while joint ventures between the UAE’s Taqa and Spain’s Cepsa aim to create hydrogen-based fuel plants. Morocco’s own Nareva will operate a diversified project portfolio covering ammonia, synthetic fuels, and green steel, an ambitious industrial base meant to support both domestic decarbonization and international exports.

Saudi-owned Acwa Power, already a major player in Morocco’s renewable sector, will expand its footprint by focusing on green steel production, while China’s UEG and China Three Gorges bring their technical expertise to the ammonia sector. This sweeping lineup of partnerships highlights Morocco’s unique ability to bridge Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the West around a single clean energy vision.

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Europe’s Green Future Runs Through Morocco

The $32.5B program is also designed to align directly with Europe’s hydrogen strategy. The European Union’s Green Deal calls for importing 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030. With its rich renewable resources, stable political environment, and close geographic proximity, Morocco is uniquely positioned to supply Europe with low-carbon fuels at scale.

Incremental steps have already been taken. In 2024, Morocco allocated 300,000 hectares to renewable and hydrogen-related projects, including ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels. Earlier agreements with France’s TotalEnergies and Engie plus ongoing collaborations with phosphate and fertilizer giant OCP have already laid the foundation for stronger integration between Morocco and its European partners.

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Beyond Exports: Transforming Morocco’s Economy

While exports are a central target, the domestic benefits of this program cannot be overlooked. Hydrogen infrastructure would provide Morocco with new tools to decarbonize its industries from steelmaking and fertilizer production to long-haul transport and heavy logistics. Analysts expect the projects to create thousands of highly skilled jobs in engineering, construction, operations, and export logistics, while also driving demand for specialized training programs across Moroccan universities and technical academies.

The government sees hydrogen not only as an export product but as an anchor for national energy security. By reducing dependence on imported hydrocarbons, Morocco can enhance energy independence, stabilize prices, and advance its stated goal of generating over half of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

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Africa’s Largest Hydrogen Gamble

Energy experts widely describe this as one of the most historic clean energy bets in Africa. While South Africa, Namibia, and Egypt have all announced major hydrogen programs, Morocco’s approval of $32.5B in projects sets a new standard in both ambition and scale. The country’s geographic advantages, more than 3,500 hours of annual sunshine and extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean wind corridors give it natural comparative advantages few others can match.

For Africa, Morocco’s commitment sends a signal that the continent can be more than just a raw materials provider; it can also be a producer of high-value green fuels demanded by Europe and Asia. As hydrogen reshapes global energy markets over the coming decades, Morocco is determined to claim a leadership role.

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A Historic Opportunity and a Regional Legacy

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s government has emphasized that the projects serve dual purposes: reducing Morocco’s carbon footprint while integrating the country into global supply chains. Analysts also point out that Morocco’s track record in completing mega-projects from the Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate to the Tangier high-speed rail lends credibility to its ability to deliver.

If successful, these hydrogen mega-projects could rival Morocco’s phosphate industry as a pillar of national exports, diversify the economy, and strengthen its regional influence. They could also establish a model for other African economies seeking to participate in the global hydrogen market.

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Morocco at the Center of a Trillion-Dollar Industry

With the global hydrogen economy projected to exceed $2.5 trillion in value by mid-century, Morocco’s approvals represent more than just domestic investment; they are a strategic claim on the future. By combining abundant resources with ambitious targets and global partnerships, the Kingdom stands ready to become one of the world’s most important exporters of green fuel.

For Morocco, this $32.5B leap isn’t simply an energy project, it's a historic redefinition of its economic model. From the deserts of Guelmim to the wind corridors of Tarfaya and the ports of Tangier, Morocco is building the foundations of a green hydrogen empire that could light up Africa and fuel Europe for decades to come.

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September 18, 2025

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