<\/p>\n
In October 2024, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco, the two nations signed an ambitious plan for the \u00a0industrial production of green hydrogen\u00a0 and ammonia in the presence of King Mohammed VI.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Goals<\/strong>. The Chbika project is led by a \u00a0European consortium\u00a0 that includes TE H2, a joint venture of French companies Total Energies and Eren, as well as Danish firms Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and AP Moller Capital. Their targets include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Green Ammonia<\/strong>. In addition to green hydrogen, the project focuses on green ammonia\u2014a compound created by combining nitrogen and hydrogen derived from electrolysis powered by renewable energy. Traditionally, ammonia production relies on natural gas; however, using renewables in this context significantly reduces \u00a0CO\u2082 emissions\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Green ammonia primarily serves as an agricultural fertilizer, but its role as a \u00a0hydrogen carrier\u00a0 is gaining attention. With a high energy density and easier transportation logistics than hydrogen (which requires extreme cooling), ammonia presents a viable solution for exporting hydrogen over long distances.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Search of Treasure<\/strong>. Beyond its commercial aspects, the Chbika project aims to enhance energy cooperation between Europe and Africa, solidifying Morocco’s status as a crucial supplier of \u00a0clean energy\u00a0 to the European Union. This effort aligns with the \u00a0RepowerEU\u00a0 initiative, which seeks to import 10 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Despite the agreement’s formal signing last autumn, recent weeks have seen the confirmation<\/a> of land rights intended for the plant’s construction, alongside advancements in technical and legal agreements that will set the foundation for future operations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Controversy<\/strong>. Nevertheless, the Chbika project is fraught with controversy. Critics argue that it serves as a means for Morocco to bolster its position in green hydrogen within Europe, posing a direct challenge to Spain. Additionally, the territory earmarked for the project lies in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, which various organizations, including the UN, assert overlaps with areas of Western Sahara, occupied by Morocco. Activist groups denounce<\/a> that many energy projects in Morocco are developed in \u00a0occupied territories\u00a0, raising alarms about potential \u00a0greenwashing\u00a0 through clean energy initiatives that overlook the oppression of the Saharawi people.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spanish Plans<\/strong>. So, what\u2019s Spain’s response? Several Spanish companies, including Action and Cepsa, have also established agreements with Morocco. The African nation has set a target for renewables to account for \u00a052% of its installed capacity by 2030\u00a0, and green hydrogen plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. Notably, a Moroccan government committee has selected five consortiums to develop six green hydrogen projects aimed at producing ammonia, steel, and industrial fuel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The challenge lies in the fact that these projects will also unfold in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, as well as in \u00a0Dakhla-Rio de Oro\u00a0 and \u00a0Laayoune-Sakia el Hamra\u00a0, both of which are occupied territories. This situation may exacerbate \u00a0diplomatic tensions\u00a0 with Spain and the ongoing issue in Western Sahara.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image | Topsoe<\/p>\n Xataka | The price of gas has already returned to \u00a02022 levels\u00a0. Currently, the European industry hinges on one critical factor: that the cold does not return.<\/p>\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/France-and-Morocco-have-formed-an-alliance-to-supply-Europe.jpeg\"\/)
\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n