Morocco at forefront of green Hydrogen revolution

Morocco and other North African nations are set to play a pivotal role in the forthcoming global energy transformation driven by the ascent of green hydrogen, a recent Deloitte report reveals. 

Anticipated to reshape the energy and resource landscape by 2030, green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable sources, is projected to create a staggering $1.4 trillion market annually by 2050.

Less than one percent of the world’s hydrogen production meets the criteria of being “green.” However, spurred by climate concerns and substantial investments, the green hydrogen sector is experiencing rapid growth. 

The Hydrogen Council, a significant industry player, has cataloged over a thousand hydrogen projects worldwide, signaling the robust momentum of this sustainable energy movement.

In this landscape, North Africa, with Morocco at the forefront, emerges as a key player. 

The report underscores the untapped potential of Morocco’s abundant wind and solar resources for producing green hydrogen. 

Sebastien Douguet, Director of Deloitte’s Energy and Modeling team, notes the alignment of North African countries’ hydrogen strategies with those of the European Union and the United States. 

Morocco’s vast wind and solar capacity, often overlooked, positions it as a strong contributor to the global green hydrogen market. Similarly, Egypt boasts existing natural gas pipelines that could potentially be repurposed for hydrogen transportation to Europe, making it a viable exporter in the future.

Despite the transformative potential, it is crucial to recognize that a significant portion, 99 percent, of current global hydrogen production remains “grey,” originating from methane gas and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 

The shift to green hydrogen holds immense promise, especially for decarbonizing industries with high emissions like steel, cement, and heavy transport, including aviation and maritime.