Moroccan researchers Estefanía Duque Pérez, Lukas Jansen, and Benedikt Haeckner from the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Mobility Systems at the University of Stuttgart have published a study in the journal “Energy Strategy Reviews” that explores the potential of Morocco’s hydrogen market and its role in the country’s renewable energy transition.
The study evaluates Morocco’s hydrogen transition through 2035 using a sector-coupled capacity expansion model. The researchers compare two scenarios: one focused on industry reallocation and another on hydrogen export-oriented strategies. Both scenarios require a significant increase in renewable energy and electrolyzer capacities, with hydrogen demand reaching approximately 38 TWh by 2035.
The research highlights that lower financing costs have a greater impact on system costs and competitiveness than stricter CO2 constraints or weather variability. The study also underscores the trade-off between domestic energy security and export competitiveness, but both pathways are technically feasible and aligned with Morocco’s strategic energy goals.
For the energy industry, this research provides valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen as a cornerstone for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Morocco’s abundant solar and wind resources position it as a strategic partner for Europe’s energy transition, and the study offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers to balance domestic and export ambitions in the evolving hydrogen market. The findings can help inform investment decisions and infrastructure development, supporting the growth of the green hydrogen sector and contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
Source: Energy Strategy Reviews
This article is based on research available at arXiv.