Under the influence of new European regulations and growing pressure for the decarbonization of transport, fuels derived from green hydrogen are gradually emerging as a strategic alternative for the maritime and aviation sectors. In a benchmark report, the World Bank estimates that Morocco has significant structural advantages to position itself as a key supplier of these low-carbon fuels, provided it accelerates the development of its port infrastructures and regulatory framework.
Entitled Gateway to Green Energy: Moroccan Ports as Hubs for Hydrogen Fuel Development and Trade, the report highlights a rare combination of favorable factors. The Kingdom benefits from some of the most competitive solar and wind resources in the world, a crucial condition for producing low-cost renewable electricity, which is central to the green hydrogen economy. Additionally, Morocco’s immediate geographical proximity to the European Union—a primary demand basin in the short and medium term—reduces logistical costs and enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a supplier of decarbonized fuels.
Four Strategic Port Platforms
The World Bank’s analysis focuses on four port sites poised to play a significant role: Tanger Med, Mohammedia, Jorf Lasfar, and a projected port platform near Tan-Tan. These ports are envisioned as refueling points for green marine fuels, export platforms to Europe, and hubs for the shared infrastructure of production, storage, and distribution.
According to the report, this sharing of infrastructure represents a critical lever for reducing costs and improving the economic viability of projects. Among the sites studied, Tanger Med stands out for its short- and medium-term potential. Its location along one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, coupled with an already mature logistics and industrial ecosystem, makes it a natural candidate for the role of regional hub, despite increasing competition from other African and European ports.
Demand Driven by International Standards
The demand dynamics for fuels derived from green hydrogen are closely linked to the evolution of international regulatory frameworks. The World Bank emphasizes the driving role of the European Union and the International Maritime Organization in creating a credible market signal. In the maritime sector, measures such as FuelEU Maritime and the extension of the European emissions trading system strongly encourage shipowners to reduce the carbon intensity of their fuels, enhancing the interest in green ammonia and methanol.
In the aviation sector, the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates a gradual incorporation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Estimates in the report indicate that the European Union may require around 14.8 million tons of SAF by 2040 and 28.6 million tons by 2050, while European production capacities remain insufficient. This situation opens a window of opportunity for producing countries like Morocco.
Economic and Technical Constraints to Overcome
Despite these favorable prospects, the report warns of persistent economic constraints. Green hydrogen-based fuels produced in Morocco may be competitive against some international alternatives but remain more expensive than conventional fossil fuels in the absence of appropriate support mechanisms, such as long-term contracts or carbon pricing systems.
These challenges are compounded by structural constraints related to the availability of carbon and water. The World Bank notes that industrial sources of CO₂ may suffice until 2040 for the production of synthetic fuels, but beyond that, the need for direct air capture of carbon will become necessary, with costs still high. Moreover, hydrogen production through electrolysis will require significant amounts of water, making the development of dedicated desalination units essential.
Ultimately, the World Bank believes that Moroccan ports can become decisive catalysts for the green hydrogen economy, provided there is quick coordination between energy policies, port infrastructures, and regulatory frameworks. A successful structuring would enable Morocco to sustainably integrate into the international value chains of decarbonized fuels as they are being established.