TotalEnergies Launches Morocco’s First Green Hydrogen Megaproject: Powering Europe’s Green Future
French energy giant TotalEnergies has secured a landmark agreement with the Moroccan government to develop the country’s first large-scale green hydrogen production facility. This exciting development, announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Rabat, marks a significant step towards a cleaner energy future for both Europe and Morocco.
The project, dubbed “Shebka” (meaning “network” in Arabic), will be located near the Atlantic coast in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of southern Morocco. This strategic location leverages Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources, key ingredients for producing green hydrogen. The project’s initial phase involves securing land for the facility, a crucial first step towards making this ambitious vision a reality. TotalEnergies’ subsidiary, TE H2, signed the land reservation agreement, and will conduct pre-FEED (Front End Engineering Design) studies in partnership with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and AP Moller Capital.
Shebka aims to establish an onshore renewable energy capacity of approximately 1 gigawatt (GW), generated from a combination of wind and solar power. This clean energy will power the electrolysis process, splitting desalinated seawater to produce green hydrogen. The hydrogen will then be converted into 200,000 tons of green ammonia annually, primarily destined for the European market. This aligns with the European Union’s ambitious hydrogen strategy, which aims to import 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030 to decarbonize industries and achieve climate neutrality. [Link to relevant EU hydrogen strategy document]
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné highlighted the strategic importance of this project, stating that it aligns with the company’s strategy to develop green hydrogen production in countries with highly competitive renewable energy resources. Morocco, with its geographical proximity to Europe and exceptional solar and wind potential, is ideally positioned to become a key partner in Europe’s green transition. This sentiment echoes the growing global recognition of green hydrogen’s potential to revolutionize the energy sector. [Link to report on the growth of the green hydrogen market]
Morocco has dedicated one million hectares of land to developing its green hydrogen sector, demonstrating its commitment to becoming a global leader in this emerging industry. Several other international companies are expected to sign land allocation agreements this year, with most aiming to commence production by 2030. This concerted effort positions Morocco as a prime destination for green hydrogen investment and innovation.
The Shebka project represents the first phase of a broader development program aimed at establishing a world-class green hydrogen production hub in Morocco. The kingdom’s phased approach involves initially focusing on green ammonia production for phosphate fertilizers, a crucial industry for the country. Subsequent phases will target the production of synthetic fuels like kerosene and diesel, followed by expanding green hydrogen applications across various industries and exporting surplus production. This strategic roadmap underscores Morocco’s vision for a sustainable and diversified energy future.
This ambitious undertaking not only promises to significantly reduce carbon emissions but also fosters economic growth and creates new job opportunities in both Morocco and Europe. The collaboration between TotalEnergies and the Moroccan government exemplifies the power of international partnerships in driving the global transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, projects like Shebka offer a beacon of hope and a tangible example of how innovative solutions can pave the way for a greener tomorrow.
