In the heart of North Africa, Morocco is quietly becoming a global trailblazer in green hydrogen: A zero-emission fuel poised to redefine the future of energy. While many countries in the MENA region continue to wrestle with the volatility of oil prices and political instability, Morocco is charting a different course: one built on sun, wind, and vision.
For years, Morocco has stood out in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for its renewable energy ambitions. Its flagship Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest in the world, spans over 3,000 hectares and generates 580 MW of electricity, enough to power over 1 million homes. Wind farms across the country, from Tarfaya in the south to Tangier in the north, add another 1,400 MW to the grid.
By 2023, Morocco had already reached 37.6% renewable energy in its electricity mix, with plans to hit 52% by 2030. But now, the Kingdom is pushing beyond electricity, toward green hydrogen, a fuel that many believe could be the linchpin of global decarbonisation.
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysing water using electricity from renewable sources. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, it emits no greenhouse gases in its production or use. It can power industries like steel and cement, fuel long-haul trucks and ships, and even be converted into green ammonia for use in fertilisers.
Why Morocco?
Morocco’s natural resources give it a competitive edge. Picture vast stretches of desert soaking in 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, and winds strong enough to power cities. These aren’t just scenic advantages; they are the foundation for a renewable revolution.
Then there’s geography. Morocco sits just 14 km from Spain, practically a stone’s throw away. With two coastlines, existing trade relationships, and electrical ties to Europe, it’s perfectly placed to be an energy bridge between continents.
But it’s not just about the map. Morocco’s government is thinking long-term and acting fast. Strategic partnerships with Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan aren’t just ink on paper; they bring in real investments, like the 300-million-euro-worth German-backed hydrogen alliance launched in 2020. These moves send a clear signal: Morocco isn’t dabbling. It’s committing.
People Powering The Transition
Behind the policies and headlines are people with passion. Take Asmaa Amrani, a 29-year-old chemical engineer in Rabat. After completing her studies in Germany, she came back to join a government hydrogen initiative.
“There’s a real sense that we are building something historic. My parents worked in fossil fuels. I’m building the systems that will replace them,” she said.
Universities are catching up too. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir and the University of Cadi Ayyad in Marrakesh are nurturing a new wave of clean energy talent. At the same time, young startups like NeoHydro and Green Atlas are pushing boundaries, creating electrolyzers that work even in water-scarce environments.
And the impact could be huge. With youth unemployment hovering around 30%, this new sector isn’t just green, it’s vital. MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy) estimates green hydrogen could generate 430,000 jobs by 2050. That’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet; that’s livelihoods, futures, and families supported.
Investment And Infrastructure
Of course, it won’t be easy. Electrolyzers are pricey, and right now green hydrogen costs around USD 4–6 per kilo, way more than the USD 1–2 for fossil-based hydrogen. Plus, global demand is still warming up.
But Morocco isn’t waiting for the world to catch up. It’s laying the groundwork with five industrial hydrogen zones and a national roadmap targeting 4 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. If successful, this could slash 10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year and chip away at the country’s USD 10 billion fossil fuel import bill.
The stakes are high, but so is the potential. IRENA predicts hydrogen trade could hit USD 2.5 trillion by 2050, with green hydrogen powering 12% of global energy. Morocco wants a piece of that future, and it’s betting big now to make it happen.
While many of its neighbours remain anchored in fossil fuels, Morocco is doing something rare in the region: rewriting its story. It’s not just going green; it’s choosing identity over dependency. “We want to be seen as innovators, not just resource providers. This is our chance,” says Tarik Moulay, a 24-year-old startup founder in Agadir.
And there’s a kind of poetry in it. In a part of the world often defined by conflict and uncertainty, Morocco is leaning toward cooperation, science, and sustainability. The journey won’t be easy. But if it stays the course, Morocco won’t just light up homes with clean energy. It could light the way for the rest of the region.
This isn’t just an energy story. It’s a human one. A story of people betting on a better future, and working together to build it.