Morocco Aims to Boost Natural Gas Share to 30% of Energy Mix by 2030

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Morocco is accelerating its transition to natural gas as a key pillar of its energy future, aiming to increase its share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030. The government is deploying a multisector strategy based on heavy investments and public-private partnerships to reduce coal dependence while maintaining energy security.

On April 23, 2025, at the Energy Conference in Ouarzazate, the Moroccan government launched a call for expressions of interest to identify private partners for constructing the country’s first national gas infrastructure. Central to this project is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Nador West Med, designed to accommodate a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU)—the first such terminal on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.

Two additional FSRU platforms are planned for the Atlantic coast: one in Mohammedia or Jorf Lasfar, and another in Dakhla. These will serve as major entry points for imported LNG. To connect these terminals, the government plans to build a national pipeline network, including connections to the Tendrara and Anchois gas fields, the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, and eventually the future African Atlantic Gas Pipeline linking Nigeria to Europe.

Morocco’s natural gas consumption is rising steadily, with 886 million cubic meters imported in 2024 (up from 861 million in 2023), making it Spain’s largest gas customer—ahead of France. This growth is driven by increasing industrial needs, power grid modernization, and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of thermal power plants.

Despite this gas push, Morocco’s electricity system remains heavily dependent on coal, with nearly 70% of electricity coming from coal-fired plants. The country faces a dilemma as some power purchase agreements extend beyond 2040, while Morocco has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, committing to phase out coal.

Natural gas is seen as the most realistic alternative in the short and medium term, serving as a “transition fuel” while green hydrogen technology matures.

 Courtesy: www.northafricapost.com