The energy ambitions of the Indian conglomerate Adani Group in Morocco, once promising, are now shrouded in uncertainty. Gautam Adani, the founder of the group, is facing charges of corruption and fraud in the United States, which could jeopardize his colossal investment plans in the kingdom’s renewable energy sector.
### A Major Promise for Green Hydrogen
In 2022, Adani Group announced a flagship project in Morocco: to develop wind and solar power plants, accompanied by facilities for the production of green hydrogen intended for export, primarily to Europe. With an installed capacity of up to 10 gigawatts, this project represented a strategic initiative to meet the growing demand for clean energy, while aligning with Morocco’s goals to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and diversify its energy sources.
The project was also in line with the ambitions of the European Union, which is seeking green fuels to accelerate its energy transition. Morocco’s geographical proximity and its free trade agreement made it a preferred partner to meet this growing demand.
### A Blow to Moroccan Energy Ambitions
The progress of this project, already modest, could be further slowed by the group’s legal troubles. Gautam Adani is accused by New York prosecutors of using funds raised from American investors to pay bribes to the Indian government in exchange for lucrative contracts. This case jeopardizes Adani’s credibility and ability to fulfill his international commitments, including in Morocco.
### Morocco Continues to Bet on Green Hydrogen
Despite these uncertainties, Morocco continues its efforts to become a key player in the green economy. The Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP), a world leader in fertilizers, has announced an ambitious investment plan of $13 billion to develop green hydrogen. This project aims to reduce Morocco’s dependence on imported ammonia while positioning the kingdom as a strategic energy hub for Africa and Europe.
### An Uncertain Future
Discussions between Adani Group and the Moroccan government, confirmed in 2022 by Minister of Energy Transition Leïla Benali, now seem to be suspended pending the evolution of the Indian group’s legal situation. Already weakened, the group may see its international ambitions put on hold at a time when Morocco is ramping up efforts to accelerate its energy transition.
This case highlights the challenges related to dependence on foreign partners for structural projects, reminding Morocco of the importance of diversifying its collaborations while strengthening its local capacities in renewable energies.