2023-05-01 02:03:54
Currently, Morocco already obtains 20% of its energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydraulic. The country aims to increase the share in this field for electricity consumption, up to 52% by 2030, and even up to 86% if possible. Although this goal is ambitious, it is achievable thanks to the country’s significant solar potential, as Moroccan energy expert Rahal Lagnaoui points out, quoted in an article on German public television.
In this context, The joint declaration of intent on the development of green hydrogen, called Power-to-X, signed in 2020 by Morocco and Germany is a strategic association that aims to promote renewable energy.
According to the article, the German development bank KfW will finance the construction of a green hydrogen production plant for an amount of 300 million euros. Morocco should thus become the main producer of green hydrogen in Africa by 2025.
The same source specifies that this association is mutually beneficial. For its part, Morocco, by becoming a producer of green hydrogen, will be able to increase its electricity production from renewable sources, while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Germany, for its part, will obtain part of this green hydrogen production, which can be used in various applications such as mobility, industry and electricity production, being able to replace fossil fuels.
Therefore, he adds, the partnership with Germany allows Morocco to continue with its energy transition and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports. The article highlights that Rabat is an attractive partner for Germany and Europe due to its geographical proximity, existing electricity and gas interconnections, as well as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project.
However, this latest project faces a major challenge: water scarcity. In Morocco, water scarcity is an increasingly pressing problem. Climate change and the resulting dry spells have significant consequences for agriculture and people. The production of green hydrogen requires not only solar energy, but also water, a scarce resource in the country, underline the article.
According to KfW, “Morocco is one of the countries most affected by water scarcity and climate change. Demand for water has increased dramatically in recent years, especially in agriculture, leading to continued overuse of groundwater resources.” To produce green hydrogen, relies on desalination plants of sea water, remember the article. In fact, drinking water or groundwater are not suitable for this production. Rachidi explains that the goal is to exclusively use desalinated seawater for the production of hydrogen, a solution that could also make it possible to produce drinking water and irrigation at low cost.
Morocco is currently building new seawater desalination plants with the support of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and KfW, which is currently investing around 700 million euros in the sector.
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