Morocco is making strides in renewable energy development, with a particular focus on green hydrogen. This was highlighted at the 13th edition of the Round Tables of Arbois and the Mediterranean, co-organized by Morocco's Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and France, which brought together experts in the field of renewable energy.
Fahd Benkirane, UM6P France's Director, emphasized Morocco's commitment to developing infrastructure dedicated to renewable energy, which has contributed to increasing production and consolidating efforts to combat the climate crisis. He cited the Noor-Ouarzazate complex as an example of Morocco's clean energy strategy and noted that the country's goal of achieving 52% renewable energy by 2030, including green hydrogen, is within reach.
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Benkirane also stressed the importance of securing “sovereignty” in terms of expertise and know-how, and noted that this is partly the purpose behind UM6P's establishment. The educational institution has made significant contributions to Morocco's renewable energy development, with a strong focus on research and development.
The UM6P's Green H2 Cluster, which was established in partnership with the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies, aims to make Morocco a world leader in the industrialization and development of green hydrogen. Benkirane emphasized that UM6P continues to establish strategic partnerships at the national and international levels, notably to establish green ammonia pilots in the industrial sites of the OCP Group.
Eric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University, echoed Benkirane's remarks, stressing the importance of investing in green hydrogen to achieve carbon neutrality in the future. He also celebrated UM6P's efforts to promote research and innovation in the renewable energy field.
The Round Tables of Arbois and the Mediterranean, organized under the theme: “Hydrogen Tomorrow, Myths and Realities,” is an annual multidisciplinary international conference that tackles science and technology-related issues. The event served as a platform to discuss the latest advancements and opportunities in renewable energy and underscored Morocco's leading role in green hydrogen development.
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“In our daily lives, [the climate crisis] manifests itself tangibly in rising temperatures, natural disasters, loss of livelihoods, and depletion of ecosystems. One of the main catalysts of climate change is the role that conventional fossil fuels play in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Benkirane, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis.
As countries around the world work to meet ambitious renewable energy targets and combat the effects of climate change, Morocco is setting an example with its commitment to green hydrogen development and its efforts to secure expertise and know-how in the field.
