Morocco Emerges as Key Player in MENA’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Export Market

Thanks to its multiple low-cost gas resources and its progress in renewable energies, the MENA region will soon see major development that will make it an essential region in the export of blue and green hydrogen, the Apicorp report predicted.

In Morocco, renewable energy, whether wind, solar or hydroelectric, is making tangible progress, with nearly 37% of the country’s total production mix and about 90% of its current 3.5 GW pipeline. Moreover, some countries like Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt "are trying to catch up," the report’s authors stressed.

The energy sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in general will be financed to the tune of $805 billion over the next 5 years, an increase of $13 billion compared to the $792 billion forecast in last year’s five-year outlook. Moreover, of the $805 billion, $250 billion will be devoted to electricity, with nearly 40% earmarked for renewable energies. In 2020, the MENA region completed nearly 1.5 GW of solar energy and this year 2021, an additional 3 GW should also be added, the same source specified, noting that within about five years, around 20 GW will be added.

It should be noted that, as countries increase their energy diversification plans, wind power and other sources, including hydropower, are also gaining value.