Dakhla: A Cost-Effective Site for Green Hydrogen in Morocco

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has directed the development of a "Morocco Offer" in the green hydrogen sector to expedite the process of decarbonizing the Moroccan economy. Green hydrogen is considered a promising energy source that can facilitate the energy transition and contribute to achieving climate change goals. Morocco is well positioned to produce green hydrogen due to the availability of cost-competitive renewable energy sources and its geographical location between two seas.

Several countries, notably Germany and other European nations, have expressed their interest in investing in the green hydrogen sector in Morocco. A recent study conducted by the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) and published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy assessed the production of green hydrogen in Morocco using a combination of renewable sources.

The study revealed that Morocco should adopt an energy mix, specifically water electrolysis combined with wind and solar energy. The optimal energy mix varies across different cities, with Dakhla identified as the most favorable location for green hydrogen production due to its exceptionally low production costs compared to other cities and previous national and international studies.

According to the study, the cost of producing green hydrogen in Dakhla is $2.54/kg, whereas it is $2.56/kg in Laayoune, $7/kg in Jorf Lasfar, $6.76/kg in Tangier, and a little over $6/kg in Tan-Tan. Both Dakhla and Laayoune possess significant potential for green hydrogen production in Morocco.