Morocco Aims for 30% Natural Gas in Energy Mix by 2030, Plans LNG Terminal

Morocco is implementing large-scale projects to ensure that natural gas represents 30% of the national energy mix by 2030. One of these projects is the creation of a first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Nador West Med port. Designed to accommodate a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), this terminal, the first of its kind on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, will ensure part of the national supply of liquefied natural gas, according to Challenge.

Morocco also plans to build two other FSRU platforms on the Atlantic: one in Mohammedia or Jorf Lasfar, and the other in Dakhla. As major entry points for imported LNG, these facilities will ensure national coverage that can supply the various consumption basins, particularly the industrial zones of Kenitra, Mohammedia, and ONEE power plants.

The Moroccan government plans to build a network of national gas pipelines to connect these terminals. To this end, it intends to set up four pipelines, two of which will serve to start activities at the Tendrara fields in the Oriental region and Anchois, located off the coast of Larache. The third pipeline will be directly connected to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) to ensure regional interconnection. As for the fourth pipeline, it will initially be connected to the industrial basins of the Atlantic coast, particularly Kenitra and Mohammedia, before extending to the future port of Dakhla.

In the eyes of experts, natural gas is the best option for energy transition, while waiting for green hydrogen to reach its technological and economic maturity.