Morocco Poised for Natural Gas Production Boost in 2025
Morocco’s natural gas sector is gearing up for a significant production increase in 2025, with projections of 31 million cubic meters, according to a report from the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM). This ambitious target reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy sources and enhance energy security. The anticipated rise in production comes as ONHYM plans to decommission several depleted gas wells, investing 20 million dirhams (approximately $2 million USD) in the process, demonstrating a commitment to responsible resource management.
This projected output is spread across several key regions. The Essaouira Basin is expected to contribute the lion’s share, with an estimated 18 million cubic meters of gas and 1,200 tons of condensate. The Gharb Basin is projected to produce 1 million cubic meters, while the Tendrara Basin is anticipated to yield 12.5 million cubic meters. This multi-regional approach highlights Morocco’s diverse natural gas resources and its strategic development across various basins.
The ONHYM report also outlines a robust exploration program for 2025, integrated within a broader three-year plan (2025-2027). This plan encompasses a range of initiatives, including four projects focused on evaluating conventional hydrocarbon resources, one project dedicated to unconventional hydrocarbons, and a crucial project aimed at defining the extent of the Atlantic continental shelf. This forward-looking approach underscores Morocco’s commitment to long-term resource exploration and development.
Specific projects within the 2025 program include a study of reservoir distribution in the Tangier-Laayoune offshore sections, an analysis of petroleum systems in the Missour Basin (including 3D seismic surveys and processing), and a regional study of petroleum systems in the Tadla Basin. Further investigations include a geochemical study to assess shale gas resources in the Zag Basin, reprocessing of onshore seismic data, and ongoing collaboration with partner companies on information systems and parallel projects. These diverse projects demonstrate a comprehensive approach to resource assessment and development.
Beyond exploration, ONHYM’s 2025 development and production activities will center on the Essaouira and Gharb basins (currently in production) and the Tendrara Basin (in the development phase). Key objectives include maintaining natural gas supply to customers in the Gharb region, monitoring reservoirs in both the Gharb and Essaouira basins, and overseeing the commencement of production at the Tendrara field as part of the micro-LNG project. This focus on production and delivery highlights the practical application of Morocco’s natural gas strategy.
The projected revenue from hydrocarbon marketing in 2025 is estimated at 97 million dirhams (approximately $9.4 million USD), with ONHYM’s share comprising 31 million cubic meters of gas and 1,200 tons of condensate. This revenue projection reflects the potential economic benefits of Morocco’s growing natural gas sector.
Morocco’s pursuit of increased natural gas production aligns with global trends towards cleaner energy sources and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. While natural gas is still a fossil fuel, it burns cleaner than coal and oil, offering a transitional fuel source as the world moves towards renewable energy. Morocco’s efforts in this area contribute to its broader energy strategy and its commitment to sustainable development. Further research into Morocco’s renewable energy initiatives and its overall energy transition plan could provide valuable context and insights. (Links to relevant resources could be added here, such as the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development website or reports from international energy organizations.)
