The Moroccan government has approved six green hydrogen projects in the south of the country, with a total investment of MAD 319 billion ($32.8 billion), Kallanish reports.

Green hydrogen will be used in the production of green ammonia, e-fuels or green steel under the so-called Morocco Offer program, the government said in a statement Thursday.

The selected companies include Saudi Arabian energy firm ACWA Power, which will make green steel, and Moroccan renewables developer Nareva, which plans to produce ammonia, synthetic fuel and green steel. A consortium of the Chinese firms United Energy Group (UEG) and China Three Gorges will produce ammonia.

A consortium called ORNX, consisting of Spanish firm Acciona, Germany-based Nordex and US-based Ortus will focus on ammonia production. Meanwhile, UAE’s Taqa and Spain’s Cepsa will team up to produce ammonia and synthetic fuel. 

“The selection of the six projects was made according to a scientific and transparent methodology, guaranteeing a balanced and sustainable partnership between the kingdom of Morocco and these investors,” the government says.

However, officials have not disclosed further details on the projects, including their planned production volumes, investment size and development timelines. The government will now sign preliminary agreements with the developers to allocate up to 30,000 hectares per project.

Morocco previously selected two green hydrogen projects under the scheme. One involves a partnership between the Moroccan state and French energy giant TotalEnergies; and another between France’s Engie and Moroccan fertiliser firm OCP group. The selection process for Morocco Offer remains open to additional investment.

The North African nation wants to leverage its abundant renewable resources, strategic location and infrastructure to promote a green hydrogen value chain. The move is aimed at making Morocco a “competitive force” in the global market, Rabat says.