Agadir – Morocco’s renewable energy potential and industrial infrastructure have attracted interest from an Upper Austrian delegation exploring possible green hydrogen imports and business opportunities in the country.
Austria’s public broadcaster ORF reported that Markus Achleitner, Upper Austria’s regional economy councillor, and Günther Steinkellner, the region’s infrastructure councillor, visited Morocco to examine prospects for energy cooperation and industrial partnerships.
The delegation’s visit included the port complex of Tanger Med, where the officials examined infrastructure that could support future energy transport and strengthen trade links between Morocco and Europe.
Morocco eyes green hydrogen exports to Europe
Morocco plans to expand its renewable energy sector and develop its capacity to export green hydrogen from 2030.
The country’s solar and wind resources, proximity to European markets, and investment in energy infrastructure could help it supply industries seeking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Achleitner said green hydrogen would play a key role in the industrial transition, particularly in energy-intensive regions such as Upper Austria.
“Upper Austria is the most energy-intensive federal state in Austria. Hydrogen plays a key role for our industry. That is why we are closely monitoring international developments and want to learn from Morocco’s experience,” he said.
The regional official also stressed the importance of developing partnerships to secure future energy supplies.
Morocco has launched the “Offre Maroc Hydrogène Vert” initiative to attract investment and develop a competitive green hydrogen sector.
Seven hydrogen projects advance in Morocco
Mourad Hajjaji, general manager of Morocco’s Green H2 Cluster, told ORF that seven projects had reached a new stage, allowing their developers to continue negotiations with the Moroccan government.
The projects plan a combined renewable energy generation capacity of 15 gigawatts, Hajjaji said.
He also indicated that producing green hydrogen in Morocco and covering export and transport costs to supply European industries could prove economically viable.
Hajjaji cited a potential price of around $5 per kilogram of green hydrogen, based on simulations of production and transport costs. The figure represents an estimate rather than a confirmed market price or supply contract.
However, transporting hydrogen from Morocco to European industrial centres remains a key challenge.
Hajjaji said the sector was exploring maritime transport through ports in the short term while continuing to examine pipeline options. One possibility involves adapting existing natural gas pipelines to carry hydrogen.
Tanger Med offers industrial and logistics opportunities
The delegation also examined opportunities for cooperation in the automotive, railway, machinery, and environmental technology sectors.
Steinkellner said Morocco’s infrastructure development and links between energy, mobility, and industry offered lessons for Upper Austria.
“The energy transition requires efficient infrastructure. Morocco shows how the development of energy, mobility and industry can work together,” he said.
The officials visited Tanger Med, a major logistics hub in northern Morocco that handles international trade and vehicle shipments. The complex also includes specialised port facilities, including a terminal for hydrocarbons.
The visit is part of a broader effort to identify commercial opportunities for Upper Austrian companies in Morocco.
The delegation also visited ATG Maroc, a Moroccan industrial company that partners with Austrian manufacturer starlim sterner.
Steinkellner said Morocco’s industrial development and business environment made it an attractive location for companies seeking international partnerships.
