ENVIRONMENT ( Green Hydrogen in the Maghreb: A Path Toward African Energy Harmonization )

Introduction: The Promise of Green Hydrogen in Africa. As the world accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution to decarbonize heavy industries, transportation, and electricity generation. In North Africa, particularly in the Maghreb region (comprising Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania), the vast potential for solar and wind power is positioning the region as a key player in global green hydrogen production. This article explores how green hydrogen in the Maghreb is gaining momentum and how it could lead to a continental strategy for energy harmonization across Africa. 1. What Is Green Hydrogen? Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels), green hydrogen emits no CO₂ during production. It is considered a clean energy carrier, ideal for storing renewable energy and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. 2. Why the Maghreb? The Maghreb region enjoys high solar irradiance, vast stretches of desert, and growing investments in renewable energy infrastructure. These factors make it uniquely suited for large-scale green hydrogen production: Morocco has already launched significant projects like the Aman hydrogen project and aims to become a global exporter. Algeria has launched a national hydrogen roadmap and is seeking partnerships with Europe. Tunisia is exploring feasibility studies to harness its solar energy potential for hydrogen. The region also has proximity to Europe, a major future consumer of green hydrogen, thanks to ambitious decarbonization plans under the European Green Deal. 3. Green Hydrogen Projects in the Maghreb a. Morocco: The Pioneer Morocco is a frontrunner, with major initiatives like: The OCP Group's green ammonia project for fertilizer production using green hydrogen. HEVO Ammonia Morocco: A large-scale export project supported by the UK-based company Chariot. A strategic partnership with Germany, which includes funding for pilot projects. Morocco’s legal reforms and policy stability further attract international investors. b. Algeria: The Sleeping Giant Algeria is home to vast solar potential and existing energy infrastructure: The Algerian Hydrogen Roadmap (2021–2040) aims for 10% of the national energy mix to come from hydrogen by 2040. Existing pipelines and trade relationships with Europe could facilitate hydrogen exports. The government is exploring a regulatory framework to attract private investors. c. Tunisia and Mauritania: New Entrants Tunisia is working on pilot projects with Germany and the European Union. Mauritania has signed MOUs with BP and Chariot for green hydrogen development. These projects could transform both economies while supporting broader African decarbonization. 4. Toward a Pan-African Hydrogen Strategy The growing interest in green hydrogen across African countries—from Egypt to Namibia and South Africa—shows a clear trend. The Maghreb could play a catalyst role in unifying the continent through: Standardizing hydrogen regulations Sharing infrastructure like pipelines and ports Developing a continental certification system for green hydrogen Promoting intra-African energy trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) A coordinated approach could lead to African energy sovereignty, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and positioning the continent as a net exporter of clean energy. 5. Economic and Geopolitical Opportunities a. Export Potential Europe’s hunger for green hydrogen is an opportunity for the Maghreb. With its REPowerEU strategy, the EU plans to import 10 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030. North Africa, with its geographical proximity and trade ties, is a natural partner. b. Job Creation and Industrial Development Hydrogen value chains—from electrolyzer manufacturing to storage and logistics—can create thousands of skilled jobs and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). c. Energy Security Hydrogen can diversify the region’s energy mix, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and stabilize energy prices. d. Strategic Alliances Partnerships with Europe, the Gulf states, and China could further boost capacity and financing, making the region a global energy hub. 6. Challenges to Overcome Despite its potential, the path is not without hurdles: High production costs of green hydrogen, although expected to fall with scale and innovation. Lack of regional coordination, which may lead to competition rather than cooperation. Water scarcity in arid regions may affect electrolysis-based production. Political instability in some countries could deter long-term investors. A joint strategy and regional cooperation are crucial to overcome these challenges. 7. Toward Energy Harmonization in Africa The future of green hydrogen in the Maghreb could be the cornerstone of a unified African energy vision, based on: Shared infrastructure: Pan-African hydrogen corridors and export ports. Unified policy frameworks: Common standards for production, safety, and emissions. Technology transfer and R&D: From more developed nations to African startups and universities. Green financing mechanisms: Leveraging climate funds, carbon credits, and public-private partnerships. This model could replicate across sub-Saharan Africa, where solar and wind potential also remains largely untapped. Conclusion: The Green Future Is African The green hydrogen revolution in the Maghreb is more than an energy transition—it is a chance for Africa to reshape its economic and geopolitical destiny. By leading in sustainable energy production and fostering continental cooperation, the Maghreb can drive African energy harmonization and emerge as a clean power exporter to the world. But this will require visionary leadership, infrastructure investment, and regional solidarity. The opportunity is historic, and the time to act is now.