Morocco Positions Itself as Green Energy Hub to Secure Market Access
Casablanca, Morocco - Morocco is aggressively pursuing an energy transition, not solely for environmental reasons, but to safeguard and expand its access to key international markets, particularly the European Union. With the EU’s carbon Adjustment Mechanism (MacF) set to tax imports based on their carbon footprint starting in January 2026, Morocco is strategically investing in renewable energy infrastructure and green hydrogen production to position itself as a competitive supplier.
According to Mohamed Boiti, this shift transforms green energy from an environmental concern into a “commercial passport.” A key project illustrating this strategy is the High Voltage direct Current (HVDC) line connecting Dakhla to Casablanca – a 1,400 km transmission line with a 3,000 MW capacity designed to deliver solar and wind energy from Morocco’s southern provinces to industrial centers in the north, offering companies access to a 100% renewable energy grid. Beyond solar and wind, Morocco has already validated $32.5 billion in projects focused on producing ammonia, low-carbon steel, and sustainable fuels, aiming to establish the kingdom as a leading African hydrogen hub.Boiti envisions Moroccan factories soon manufacturing automotive parts powered entirely by green hydrogen for the European market.
However, the transition isn’t without challenges. Despite progress, data from Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition reveals a continued expansion of petroleum product storage capacity, with a 25% increase at the port of Jorf Lasfar and 51% of new storage scheduled by 2030 dedicated to diesel – the dominant fuel in transport and industry. Boiti suggests a combination of tax incentives, green financing, technical training, and mandatory carbon balance sheets are crucial to accelerate the move away from fossil fuels.