As the World PtX Summit unfolds in Marrakech, the spotlight is on green hydrogen’s transformative potential. With its skilled workforce and plentiful renewable energy resources, the Kingdom of Morocco has rightfully identified an opportunity to become a leader in the global energy transition. We at CWP share this vision.
With three decades of my career spent in the commodity trading sector, I fully understand both the urgency and the challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy, and I believe Morocco is uniquely placed to excel in this field. At CWP Global, we’re fully committed to supporting this shift through our 15 GW AMUN project in the Guelmim region.
The Government of Morocco has demonstrated clearly that they understand the massive potential for green hydrogen to play a major role in its domestic decarbonization plans, and those of its neighbouring partners. We expect the forthcoming Offre Maroc to lay the foundations for a robust, efficient and globally competitive green hydrogen industry.
CWP’s AMUN project in the Guelmim Oued-Noun region aligns perfectly with the vision and global commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Beyond its 15 GW scale, AMUN aims to be a cornerstone endeavour in technological prowess and socio-economic development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Morocco’s economic plans.
A project of AMUN’s scale represents much more than the numerical description of its power generation capacity. It must also be about a «just transition,» focusing on macro- and socio-economic upliftment. From enhancing GDP and export figures, to reducing unemployment, and elevating educational opportunities, green hydrogen hubs can be designed to be a multi-faceted boon for Morocco.
Recent tragic events in the Kingdom have underscored the importance of community solidarity and support. But we can also draw important lessons from them, and seek to ensure that communities are better prepared and more resilient to face future challenges.
The development of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, such as green hydrogen hubs, must be guided by the objective to enhance local development and resilience. Multi-Gigawatt projects can create thousands of jobs right from the outset, including through feasibility, construction and operation phases, with expected project lifespans of multiple decades.
Local communities stand to benefit from improved transportation infrastructure, while new opportunities arise in multiple areas such as training and education. Safe and clean desalinated water is a useful by-product from the green hydrogen electrolysis process, and can be supplied to local communities for agricultural and other purposes, a particularly valuable co-benefit in traditionally dry locations. And infrastructure developed in support of these massive projects can better connect local communities and improve access for basic human services.
At CWP Global, we have a history of creating lasting relationships with local communities, and AMUN will carry this tradition forward.
As we move towards regulatory certainty and full-scale implementation, we call on all stakeholders to join this endeavor. The AMUN project is more than an energy initiative; it’s a beacon of hope for sustainable development and community resilience.
Well-conceived and -managed projects with local communities at their heart will deliver a significant leap forward in Morocco’s ambition to become a global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Let’s seize this moment and work together to rebuild a new destiny for Morocco from the recent depths of destruction. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future for Morocco and the world.
Mark Crandall
Co-CEO and Chairman of CWP Global