The challenge, according to media outlets such as Asharq Business, is to reach an annual production of 400 million cubic metres compared to the 100 million cubic metres currently produced.
SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Expectations of natural gas resources continue to increase exponentially in Morocco. Historically, the North African country has been heavily dependent on foreign markets for energy due to a lack of its own resources in this regard, but in recent years there have been explorations and discoveries of both oil and gas reserves that are increasing the North African nation's possibilities for greater self-sufficiency and even for future commercial exchanges.
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, recently announced the discovery of new reserves that would allow Morocco to increase its natural gas production by 300%. The challenge, according to media outlets such as Asharq Business, is to reach an annual production of 400 million cubic metres compared to the 100 million cubic metres currently produced.
This exponential leap in Moroccan gas production would make it possible to cover 40% of domestic consumption, according to statements made by Minister Leila Benali to the media Economía del Este. In an interview on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Forum for the New Economy in Africa, held in Marrakech, the minister reported on new discoveries in progress in the regions of Tendrara and Larache, with a production capacity of at least 300 million cubic metres, discoveries that will cover electricity production needs for about 20 years. The challenge is that by 2050, the country's energy consumption will shift from 90% imported energy from abroad to 80% local production, and the new gas discoveries contribute to this.
The Moroccan kingdom continues to explore for gas in order to increase its supply and become a major producer in the region, as until now it has been in the shadow of neighbouring and political rival Algeria, the Maghreb's great gas-producing giant. Studies carried out over the years have shown that the Moroccan subsoil is rich in gas, and the aim is to take advantage of this for national economic development. "Morocco has several onshore and offshore sedimentary basins whose geology has allowed the genesis of different petroleum systems that could potentially be favourable to the accumulation of gas deposits," explained Abdellah Mouttaqi, secretary general of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHTM). The Tendrara and Larache areas are great examples with prospecting work being carried out with companies such as the British companies Sound Energy or Chariot. The Gharb area, the province of Kenitra and other enclaves such as Essaouira, Guersif, Zag, Boudnib and Missour are also included in the development plan for the Moroccan gas industry.
Courtesy: www.atalayar.com
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