Morocco works on green fertilizer projects as the world looks for cleaner farming

The global food system is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, and fertilizers are part of the problem. 

Traditional fertilizers, especially those made from fossil fuel-based ammonia, contribute to around 1–2% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Morocco is one of the countries starting to respond. According to a GH2 report, Morocco has launched several projects focused on producing fertilizers using green hydrogen, a cleaner alternative. The aim is to shift away from the current methods that rely on fossil fuels.

One example is the OCP Group, which has started building infrastructure for this transition. 

Their projects include green hydrogen and ammonia production in Laayoune and Guelmim, as well as a large project in Tarfaya that combines solar and wind energy with water desalination.

In Tarfaya, production of green ammonia is expected to start in 2026 at 200,000 tons, with plans to reach one million tons the following year and three million by 2032. 

Globally, however, green ammonia production remains limited, less than 0.3% of total production in 2024. 

Right now, only four sites in the world produce it, with four more planned.

The move to clean fertilizers faces several hurdles. Reports point to the high cost, need for clear market rules, and the lack of financing guarantees. 

There’s also concern that current pilot projects are not enough to meet growing demand.

Access to food is linked to four stages: gas supply, ammonia production, fertilizer manufacturing, and crop farming. Each step affects emissions. 

That’s why some organizations are pushing for cleaner production near renewable energy sources, upgrades to existing ammonia plants, and better-defined market structures.

Morocco, along with India, is among the countries currently producing green fertilizers. Countries like South Africa and Kenya also show potential.