A Critical Analysis of Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap: A Modelling Approach to Assess Country Readiness from the Energy Trilemma Perspective

Abstract

Morocco, despite its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which made up 68% of electricity generation in 2020, has recognised its significant renewable energy potential. The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment is to reduce emissions by 45.5% from baseline levels with international assistance and abstain from constructing new coal plants. Moreover, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap aims to export 10 TWh of green hydrogen by 2030, as well as use it for local electricity storage. This paper critically analyses this Roadmap and Morocco’s readiness to reach its ambitious targets, focusing specifically on an energy trilemma perspective and using OSeMOSYS (Open-Source energy Modelling System) for energy modelling. The results reveal that the NDC scenario is only marginally more expensive than the least-cost scenario, at around 1.3% (approximately USD 375 million), and facilitates a 23.32% emission reduction by 2050. An important note is the continued reliance on existing coal power plants across all scenarios, which challenges both energy security and emissions. The assessment of the Green Hydrogen Scenarios highlights that it could be too costly for the Moroccan government to fund the Green Hydrogen Roadmap at this scale, which leads to increased imports of polluting fossil fuels for cost reduction. In fact, the emission levels are 39% higher in the green hydrogen exports scenario than in the least-cost scenario. Given these findings, it is recommended that the Green Hydrogen Roadmap be re-evaluated, with a suggestion for a postponement and reduction in scope.

1. Introduction

Despite its limited access to fossil fuels reserves, Morocco possesses a substantial capacity for renewable energy sources. Various initiatives have been implemented to harness this potential, including the construction of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant [1] and Total Energies’ commitment to invest in a 10 GW green hydrogen production facility [2]. By taking advantage of its favourable geographical location for exports, Morocco aspires to emerge as a leading influencer in the field of renewable energy. Nevertheless, the nation relies heavily on fossil fuels for its energy needs, which significantly contribute to pollution levels. While the country’s rich renewable energy sources hold promise, the intermittent nature of these resources creates challenges in their wide-scale deployment, necessitating a focus on electricity storage [3,4,5]. Small-scale or short-term solutions like pumped hydropower or CSP are established, but the transition towards green hydrogen is gaining traction [6,7,8,9]. Moreover, the Moroccan government has set ambitious targets through the Green Hydrogen Roadmap (GHR), such as the export of 10 TWh of green hydrogen by 2030, 115 TWh by 2050, and 20 TWh for local use.

However, a nuanced assessment of the feasibility of this ambitious Roadmap target is crucial to devise efficient policies and strategies for the swift deployment of green hydrogen, simultaneously reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and mitigating environmental pollution. The potential establishment of a green hydrogen industry may create new economic opportunities and job prospects, especially as Morocco aspires to be a leading green hydrogen exporter to Europe. Despite these advantages, the use of hydrogen warrants critical evaluation due to market competition with batteries and electrification, along with high costs [10].

This paper aims to comprehensively evaluate the least-cost pathway to the integration of electrolysis-based green hydrogen in Morocco’s electricity mix, utilising an integrated energy modelling approach. The study encompasses an assessment of the technical and economic impacts of employing green hydrogen as a clean source of electricity storage, as well as for exports. The scope of this study focuses on hydrogen use for the power sector but will exclude its uses for the transportation and industry sectors. The research question is therefore as follows: Is Morocco ready for the deployment announced in the Green Hydrogen Roadmap with regard to the energy trilemma (Figure 1)? This paper will model different scenarios using OSeMOSYS.

1.1. Background: Morocco’s Energy System

With a population of approximately 37 million people, Morocco has achieved an important electrification rate of 99.9%, making it a leader in electricity access across Africa [12]. In 2020, Morocco’s final electricity consumption amounted to 33.52 TWh [13]. Notably, the country has experienced a consistent annual increase in electricity demand, averaging between 5% and 7% per annum [14]. Projections indicate that by 2030, the expected electricity consumption will exceed 160 PJ [15].

The growing demand for electricity has led to an expansion of Morocco’s installed capacity, starting its “energetic revolution” around 2010. In 2022, the country’s installed capacity stands at 15 GW. Coal accounts for 37%, hydropower 16%, and natural gas 18%, as shown in Figure 2. Morocco’s annual generation from renewable energy (RE) surpassed its generation from oil and gas in 2012 and 2018, respectively [13]. However, Morocco’s hydropower capacity is predicted to decrease in the next decade because of anthropogenic climate change leading to increased droughts in the Atlas Mountains [16,17], and will not fulfil the 12% of total power generation target announced in the NDC [4].

In 2021, power generation increased by 5.3% [14], fulfilling the entire country’s electricity demand for the second year in a row, and exports grew by 36.5% [14]. These exports are expected to increase with the expansion of renewable energies [15]. Moreover, Morocco’s partnership with Xlink to export wind and solar energy to the United Kingdom through undersea cables showcases its willingness to become an RE export leader globally. However, electricity values do not reflect the state of the general energy sector in Morocco. The country remains a net importer of energy at 90% [18], which mainly consist of hydrocarbons [19]. These lead to total annual emissions equalling up to 62.2 Mtons of CO₂ [13].

Figure 2. Total electricity generation by source in Morocco in 2019 [19].

Figure 2. Total electricity generation by source in Morocco in 2019 [19].

This study analyses the Moroccan electricity system from an energy trilemma perspective. The energy trilemma involves finding a balance among three dimensions: energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic affordability. Energy security focuses on ensuring reliable and uninterrupted access to energy resources to maintain supply stability. Environmental sustainability aims to reduce the environmental impact of energy production and consumption, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Economic affordability concerns the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of energy services for consumers and industries. Navigating this trilemma involves making trade-offs and finding synergies to develop sustainable and equitable energy systems that meet current and future needs while addressing global issues like climate change and energy access. Overall, Morocco’s energy trilemma is graded as “DCC” for security, equity, and sustainability, respectively, by the World Energy Council [20].

Morocco has hosted the UNFCCC COP twice, shining light on its efforts to set an example through ambitious climate targets [21]. The Kingdom’s goals under the Nationally Determined Contributions of the 2016 Paris Agreements are an emission reduction target of 45% from the baseline scenario and 52% of installed capacity being RE by 2030. Morocco also pledged to avoid investing in new coal plants at the 2021 COP26 in Glasgow, as shown in Figure 3.

Morocco articulated an ambitious strategy to become a leader in the hydrogen sector. This plan is laid out in the National Hydrogen Commission’s Roadmap on Green Hydrogen [23], as summarised in Figure 4.

The plan takes a phased approach. It begins with integrating green hydrogen into the industrial sector, followed by exporting and utilising it for electricity storage from 2030 onwards. These ambitious targets aim to stimulate the economy, enhance energy security, and improve the trade balance through green hydrogen exports. The GHR identifies maritime shipping as the main export method, although it should be noted that this method is still in relatively early stages of development, as the first shipping of liquid hydrogen only happened in 2020 from Australia to Japan [24].

1.2. Literature Review

To support these published targets, reduce the dependence on non-renewable fuels, decarbonise its energy system, and support economic development, Morocco is planning on using its high potential for solar and wind energy [6]. The former presents a technical potential of 49,000 TWh/year [23], highlighting significant opportunities for decarbonisation. However, it also underscores the issue of intermittency. Pumped hydropower and Concentrated Solar Power are currently used for electricity storage in Morocco, amounting to approximately 6.25 GWh in 2022 [25]. However, the potential curtailment in Morocco could reach up to 5 TWh by 2050 due to factors like droughts impacting the hydropower potential, indicating the need for additional and more diverse storage solutions [19,26].

Hydrogen serves as a carrier or storage medium for energy rather than being a primary energy source itself. It acts as an intermediary, allowing energy to be stored and transported efficiently. It must be produced from primary energy sources through various methods, including coal gasification, steam methane reforming, and electrolysis. Hydrogen has multiple uses for transport, industry, and electricity storage. In the case of green hydrogen, the electricity is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis, using solely renewable electricity [27]. The produced hydrogen is then stored in high-capacity tanks, salt caverns, Underground Seasonal Hydrogen Storage facilities, and exhausted hydrocarbon reservoirs for later use [27]. It can therefore provide short- and long-term (inter-seasonal) electricity storage [28], enabling a more reliable and stable supply of electricity [26].

Globally, hydrogen has emerged as a promising fuel for the future, with the 2020s being recognised by some as the “decade of hydrogen” [10], which is considered essential for decarbonisation [29,30] and could represent a way to decrease the reliance on fossil fuels in the context of the energy crisis [31,32,33]. This perception is substantiated by the projected exponential growth of the GH2 electrolysis market, which is estimated to increase by a factor of 1000 by 2040 [27].

Morocco has mostly been learning from Germany’s research on GH₂ [19,26,34]. These reports were produced in the context of the German–Moroccan Agreements (PAREMA) [34], which led to the creation of the GHR. This was guided by Germany’s willingness to import GH₂ from Morocco, which was demonstrated by the connection established between Tanger and Hamburg’s ports in 2021 [34,35]. Moreover, Morocco’s green hydrogen potential is also recognised internationally, with entities like Deloitte, IRENA, and the IEA citing the country as a prime prospect for European GH₂ exports [30,36,37].

The successful deployment of sustainable hydrogen in Morocco will, however, hinge on global demand, low-cost renewable energy availability, sustained growth in renewable energy, water availability, and suitable financing [38]. Additional considerations will involve adherence to GH₂ sustainability policies and the impact of hydrogen storage on the Moroccan grid.

Morocco therefore presents great potential for GH₂ deployment for local use and exports and has published its targets. This research project recognises, however, the existence of a research gap relating to the assessment of Morocco’s energy system’s readiness for the announced GH₂ deployment, especially using an energy trilemma perspective. Employing OSeMOSYS will not only assess the viability of predefined targets but also offer critical information such as the necessary electrolyser capacities, costs associated with deployment, reductions in emissions, and optimal combinations of renewable electricity sources to be integrated with electrolysers and fuel cell technologies, and an analysis of these aspects has not been published previously.

2. Methodology

This section begins by reviewing previous models of Morocco’s energy systems and hydrogen research, highlighting the relevance and suitability of OSeMOSYS, the selected modelling tool. It proceeds to detail the inputs integrated into the OSeMOSYS model. Finally, it outlines the specific scenarios employed.

2.1. Previous Energy System Modelling

Table 1. Prior examples of modelling of Morocco’s energy sector using OSeMOSYS.

Authors	Focus Points	Main Conclusions
Ezzahid and Icharmouhene [3]	Most suitable energy mix for Morocco’s transition	Solar and wind energy offer the most promising solutions for Morocco’s energy system. The need for baseload energy remains a challenge, emphasising the importance of enhancing energy security and improving energy efficiency to reduce system losses. Energy storage is therefore needed to support the integration of solar and wind power energies and could replace the need for baseload energy in the long term.
Harland [4]	Energy security, specifically through gas diversification	The best-identified pathway to energy security relies on local RESs and diversification of natural gas imports. The Moroccan NDC is only 4% more expensive than the least-cost scenario and leads to emission reductions. Storage is recommended for better system flexibility.
Slimani, Kadrani, El Harraki et al. [5]	Wind power expansion	Increasing the use of RE in Morocco, particularly wind power, could potentially reduce 85% of electricity-related emissions. Morocco should expand local natural gas for baseload electricity production and wind for peak production.

presents previous OSeMOSYS models focusing on Morocco.

These studies show that using the OSeMOSYS tool allowed researchers to decipher the necessity and potential for using renewable energy in Morocco to achieve NDC goals.

Table 2. Prior examples of modelling of green hydrogen.

Authors	Focus Points	Main Conclusions
Vargas-Ferrer et al. [39]	Investigation of the supply chain and load balancing aspects of integrating and developing national power systems with GH2 for long-term planning. Focus on demand-side technologies and use of Chile as an example for potential GH2 exports. Design of the combined development and operation of a national electricity system coupled with GH2 supply chains.	Preference for an on-grid hydrogen supply chain over an off-grid. To support the integration of green hydrogen, there is a need for an expansion of RESs. The coordinated operation of electrolysers is crucial element for achieving operational flexibility within the system.
Koutsandreas et al. [40]	Policy analysis utilising the OSeMOSYS modelling framework to assess the integration of green hydrogen in Greece. Evaluation of the impact of green hydrogen policies and their resilience to risk.	The transition to green hydrogen shows a high potential for CO2 emission reductions, estimated at 16 MtCO2 between 2030 and 2050. The adoption of green hydrogen was found to accelerate the overall transition to green energy, while also attracting substantial investments amounting to over EUR 10 billion.

presents energy system modelling papers that were useful to understand the feasibility, advantages, and trade-offs of green hydrogen deployment at a country scale.

These articles indicate that green hydrogen is promising for electricity storage and exports and that utilising OSeMOSYS is appropriate for performing a techno-economic evaluation of the incorporation of green hydrogen at a national level.

Lastly,

Table 3. Prior examples of modelling of green hydrogen in Morocco.

Authors	Focus Points	Main Conclusions
Ourya et al. [7]	Geospatial techno-economic analysis to model the production of GH2 in Morocco, considering various sites and exploring the optimal PV/wind ratio. Examination of the role of batteries in shorter-term storage. Use of the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) framework, supported by the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER Pro Environment)	Excluding batteries and relying solely on electrolysers for hydrogen production was more favourable and cost-effective, particularly as the hydrogen systems already integrated the electrolysers.
Touili et al. [41]	Employed GIS analysis to identify optimal locations for GH2 production in Morocco.	Solar PV technology is the most suitable choice, with an LCOH as low as USD 5.57 per kilogram.

shows previous modelling papers focusing on hydrogen in Morocco.

In conclusion, the OSeMOSYS is well suited for green hydrogen energy system modelling, drawing on the tool’s strengths in handling renewable energy sources and storage solutions.

2.2. Energy System Modelling Framework

The least-cost modelling approach of OSeMOSYS was deemed suitable for Morocco, as it is considered an emerging economy that heavily relies on international financing to support its energy transition, and places a significant emphasis on cost-minimisation. OSeMOSYS generates long-term pathways with open-source accessibility, allowing other entities such as governments, consultants, and academics to conduct further research using the model [42]. In developing the model for this project, the Simple And Nearly Done (clicSAND) spreadsheet-based interface was used, enhancing OSeMOSYS’ accessibility [42]. OSeMOSYS ensures the fulfilment of all energy demands and related constraints through its solution to various scenarios. The constraints can include potential capacity limits, annual availability, or investment limitations for technologies; OSeMOSYS allows for the generation of the least-cost solution [42].

The data pertaining to various technology and fuel parameters were obtained from the previous model [4], building on the starter-data kit [43] (Appendix A.2). Each technology is characterised by its capital, fixed and variable costs, efficiency, capacity factors, operational lifetimes, maximum capacity potential, and emission intensity. The technologies employed in this study are biomass, coal, oil, natural gas, solar, solar with storage, CSP, hydropower, onshore wind, onshore wind with storage, offshore wind, and nuclear. Furthermore, the model incorporates transmission and distribution networks, as well as “energy-efficient measures” that represent improvements in efficiency, leading to a reduced energy demand. This model uses USD as currency, with 2015 as the base year.

2.3. Inputs

2.3.1. Temporal Modelling Assumptions

The modelling period of 2015–2050 to describe the Moroccan electricity system’s idiosyncrasy. The use of 8 time slices was maintained to minimise the runtime of the model without compromising its level of detail. The time slices describe electricity demand differences between day (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and night (6:00 PM to 6:00 AM) for the 4 seasons, autumn, winter, spring, and summer, as shown in Figure 5.

Lastly, the electricity demand increase between 2015 and 2050 because of rapid GDP and population growth [21] are presented in Figure 6.

2.3.2. Historical Generation

The technologies’ historical generations were constrained by updating the Total Technology Annual Activity Upper and Lower Limit parameters slightly above (0.5 PJ) and under the real-life values, and are shown in Appendix A.1.

2.3.3. Residual Capacity

The variations in installed capacities over time, known as residual capacities and detailed in

Table 4. Residual capacities updated from the previous model (data from [44]).

Technologies	Residual Capacities (GW)
	2015	2020	2025	2030	2035	2040	2045	2050
Large Hydro (>0.1 GW)	1.13	1.31	1.81	2.09	2.09	2.09	1.72	1.72
Medium Hydro (0.01–0.1 GW)	0.14	0.14	0.35	0.30	0.30	0.30	0.30	0.30
Small Hydro (<0.01 GW)	0.02	0.02	0.15	0.15	0.15	0.15	0.15	0.14
CSP	0	0.58	1.38	1.38	1.38	1.22	0.84	0
Wind	0.86	1.49	3.38	3.38	2.97	2.46	1.93	0
Solar	0	0.23	1.23	1.23	1.23	1.23	0.99	0
Natural Gas	3.64	3.64	3.64	3.64	2.53	0	0	0
Coal	2.32	5.54	5.54	5.54	5.54	3.38	3.22	3.22
Biomass	0.10	0.11	0.12	0.12	0.12	0.03	0.01	0

, were determined by analysing data on power plant capacities [44], operational lifetimes, and planned retirement dates, as outlined in the Residual Capacity Calculator [45]. This assessment only takes power plants that are currently operational or under construction into account. A decrease in residual capacities does not always suggest a decline in the technology’s usage. Rather, it can indicate the absence of scheduled projects as of the current date. For instance, Morocco’s solar energy capacity is forecasted to rise significantly in future decades. However, because the specifics of future solar projects, including their capacities and construction schedules, have not been released, they are not factored into the calculations. Coal, however, stands as an exception. Morocco’s pledge to avoid launching new coal plants [22] means that the decrease in coal capacity is directly linked to the scheduled end-of-life and decommissioning of the numerous existing plants.

Residual capacities reflect the potential for energy production, not constant usage. This distinction matters because actual energy consumption can vary, highlighting that these capacities signify the potential output, not continuous operation.

2.3.4. Power System Flexibility

One of the most consequential changes to the previous model is the addition of caps (

Table 5. Maximum percentages of VREs in OSeMOSYS model for flexibility considerations [46].

Variable Energy Source	Maximum Percentage of Total Electricity Generation
Offshore wind with 2 h storage	25%
Onshore wind	15%
Offshore wind	10%
Solar PV	15%
Utility-scale solar PV with 2 h storage	15%

) on the maximum percentage of wind and solar energies in electricity generation due to inherent flexibility concerns.

2.3.5. Addition of Storage

The addition of storage to the OSeMOSYS model followed the Traditional (TRAD) methodology [47] and uses a different time representation to account for years (y) and seasons (s), but also day types (ld), daily time brackets (lh), and time slices (l), to obtain a modelling timeline. For this, the season, day type, and daily time bracket parameters were then added to the Text files.

In terms of storage technologies, batteries and GH2 storage technologies were added to the model. Li-ion battery technologies were chosen, as they present good round-trip efficiency, are the most used globally [47], and the technology is mature. Despite increasing electricity costs, they allow for quicker grid decarbonisation, as they are immediately scalable. Converter and Inverter technologies were added to link the batteries to the power plants and to the grid.

New commodities called ELC004, ELC005, GGH, GGHS, ELC006, and ELC007 were necessary for modelling the storage of green electricity. Lastly, the BETA technology was added to link the renewable electricity (ELC004) back to the grid (ELC001). For the GH₂ technologies, PEM electrolysers, tanks, and fuel cells were added, as they present very dynamic behaviour, making them suitable for coupling with renewable energies to produce GH₂ [47]; the properties of these technologies are described in

Table 6. Additional technologies for storage added to the OSeMOSYS model (data from [47]).

New Technology	Capital Cost (USD/kW)	Variable Cost (USD/kW)	Operational Life (y)
Lithium Ion Battery	1600 in 2022; 800 in 2030; 600 in 2040	20	15
PEM Electrolysers	1430 in 2021; 1100 in 2030; 850 in 240	40	20
Fuel Cell	1670 in 2021; 880 in 2030; 715 in 2040	20	20

.

2.3.6. Addition of Exports

For the Exports scenario, a GH₂ export technology was added too, as presented in Figure 7, and is useful for comparing the outputs to that of the storage systems. The capital cost is set to USD 2502, the same as the distribution costs, as the GHR projects the use of mainly maritime exports [23].

2.4. Description of Scenarios

2.4.1. Base Scenarios

• Least-cost (LC): This least-cost scenario is completely unconstrained.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): The NDC scenario represents Morocco’s climate targets:
  • No new coal investments: Max Annual Investments for coal plants is 0, starting in 2021 [48].
  • Emission reduction of 45.5% from the baseline scenario by 2030, resulting in 64,771.5 kgCO₂ of CO₂ annually [22]. However, this value is for all the energy emissions, and this model only focuses on the electricity sector, which represents 22% of total energy emissions in Morocco [13]. The Annual Emissions Limit is therefore set to 14,249 kgCO₂ per year, starting in 2030.

2.4.2. Green Hydrogen Scenarios

• Least-Cost with Storage (LCS): Similarly to the LC scenario, the LCS scenario is completely unconstrained. The storage technologies and commodities described previously were added to allow the model to account for RE storage.
• Nationally Determined Contributions with Storage (NDCS): This scenario is constrained in the same ways as the previous NDC scenario and utilizes the storage technologies and commodities detailed in Section 2.3.5.
• Exports (EXP): This scenario includes PEM electrolysers and the possibility of exporting GH₂. To simulate Morocco’s plan to use hydrogen for exports and to allow for the comparison with the use of GH₂ for local electricity storage, this scenario removes batteries and GH₂ tanks. Furthermore, for an accurate comparison, the demand in GH₂ is set to the same electrolyser production as in the NDCS scenario. This also corresponds to the GHR of exporting 10 TWh of green hydrogen using 6 GW of renewable energy capacity [23].

3. Results and Analysis

3.1. Electricity Consumption and Installed Capacity

Figure 8 and Figure 9 show the comparison of the annual power generation and installed capacities of the modelled scenarios.

3.1.1. Base Scenario Comparison

Within the NDC scenario, a notable shift occurs in the baseload power generation when compared to the LC: coal is partially supplanted by natural gas (Figure 8). This transition acts as an interim measure during the proliferation of wind and solar energy, and it is influenced by the comparatively lower emission profile of natural gas with coal: 56.1 versus 94.6 kton/PJ. Figure 10 illustrates the power generation mixes for the LC and NDC scenarios in 2050 and shows that natural gas and coal generations both decrease and are replaced by solar energy. This amplification is enabled by solar PV being deployed ahead of their scheduled introduction in the LC scenario (Figure 8). The expeditious implementation is informed by three factors: the requirement to supplant coal-derived electricity, the progressive reduction in solar PV costs, and the abundance of concurrent solar initiatives in Morocco.

Furthermore, the NDC scenario presents a superior total installed capacity—approximately 2 to 5 GW more than the LC scenario (Figure 9) because of the inferior capacity factors associated with wind and solar energy, necessitating compensatory measures to accommodate the enhanced electrification.

However, overall, a striking resemblance is observed in the generation mixes of the LC and NDC scenarios for the year 2050. This convergence offers promising indications for Morocco’s progression towards fulfilling its NDC objectives. The LC scenario illustrates that 52% of total installed capacity comes from RE, therefore reaching this NDC goal in 2030. In 2050, 68% of the total power generation is projected to emanate from RESs in the LC (Figure 10).

3.1.2. Green Hydrogen Scenarios Sensitivity Analysis

The LC and LCS scenarios show the same installed capacity and power generation mixes, showing that using electricity storage is not considered a cost-minimising solution in this OSeMOSYS scenario.

High power generation is seen in the NDCS and EXP scenarios, as the former stores 150 PJ of green electricity in GH₂ tanks (Figure 11), and the latter exports it. The preference for GH₂ storage over BESS is attributable to the longer operational lifespans of electrolysers and fuel cells vis à vis batteries. Interestingly, the analysis discerns no selected hybrid configurations integrating both storage systems, probably to reduce grid management budgets.

In the NDCS scenario, the natural gas generation grows to 122 PJ by 2050 compared to 10 PJ in the NDC (Figure 8). Nuclear energy is chosen for the local baseload electricity generation source, as well as 2 GW of offshore wind by 2050 that can be stored in GH₂ tanks and allows the country to reduce emissions. Onshore wind persists as a consistently prioritised option across all scenarios, because of its cost-efficiency compared to offshore wind. This sensitivity analysis thus shows that green hydrogen storage can assist Morocco in eliminating its reliance on environmentally detrimental coal, as it is not chosen in this scenario.

The EXP scenario prioritises cheap biomass and coal for domestic consumption because of the lack of emission constraints, while predominantly reserving renewable electricity for GH₂ production for exportation. Moreover, the integration of biomass as a preferred source emanates from the pre-existing flexibility limitations imposed on VREs, as the model exclusively uses renewable energy sources (including biomass) for hydrogen production.

3.2. Analysis with Respect to the Energy Trilemma

3.2.1. Energy Security: Import and Exports

The EXP scenario projects the exports of 10 TWh equivalent of GH₂ by 2030, aligning with the GHR, but only 30 TWh by 2050 (Figure 12), facilitated by an electrolyser capacity of 5.9 GW (Figure 9). This is different from the GHR 115 TWh’s goal, and this change was made to allow for a better comparison with the NDCS scenario. The method for calculation of the export values can be found in Appendix A.3.

In the EXP scenario, a prominent increase in exports, especially coal, is observed (Figure 13 and Figure 14) and is a consequence of the high costs associated with PEM electrolysers, which pushes the model to choose cheaper imported fossil fuels for local use for cost minimisation. In the NDCS scenario, a strategic preference for natural gas over coal is shown, aligning with the emission reduction goal, and this preference increases during the electrolyser build-out. The highest imported fuel demand is shown in the EXP scenario (with 2251 PJ), and the lowest is in the NDC scenario (with 6373 PJ). Please note that the LCS scenario is not shown, as it presents the same results as the LC.

3.2.2. Discounted Costs

Figure 15 shows the total net present cost between 2015 and 2030 of the modelled scenarios, and Figure 16 shows the same between 2015 and 2050. Both figures consider the revenues from exports in the EXP scenario, which were derived from the OSeMOSYS model, respecting the stipulated constraints in the methodology section, and then calculated considering a price of 0.11 USD/kWh [32]. Moreover, all the net present costs were discounted manually using a 10% discount rate, as the scenarios are designed using the discounted costs but not shown in the results templates used [49] (Appendix A.4).

The small difference (5.9%) in total accumulated costs between the LC and the NDC in 2030 (Figure 17) shows that, to reach their emission reduction target, Morocco must invest rapidly, mainly in the capital costs of new onshore wind and solar projects. However, with total annual costs amounting to USD 27.662 billion and USD 27.997 billion, respectively (Figure 16), by 2050, the disparity of a mere 1.3% (Figure 17) shows that the high initial investment is later compensated for by the decreasing variable costs of imported fossil fuels. This means that if Morocco decides to invest in the cheapest electricity mix modelled, it will be only USD 375 million away from reaching its unconditional emission reduction goals, a conclusion which also corroborates the findings of the previous model [4].

The incorporation of GH₂ technologies increases the costs significantly from the LC: by 34% in the NDCS, and even by 7% in the EXP scenario (Figure 17). It is also USD 12.507 billion cheaper to export GH₂ than to use it for local electricity storage, as shown in

Table 7. Discounted cost sensitivity analysis between scenarios.

	Cost Difference by 2030	Percentage Difference by 2030	Cost Difference by 2050	Percentage Difference by 2050
NDCS-NDC	+8463.73	+29.96	+14,327.39	+33.85
NDCS-EXP	+8060.19	+28.53	+12,507.49	+29.55

. The EXP scenario shows the highest variable costs stemming from the coal imports, and the high capital costs associated with the construction of GH₂ technologies in the NDCS and EXP scenarios (Figure 15 and Figure 16). This is explained as the high costs of storage technologies push the model to opt for cheaper baseload technologies such as fossil fuels, importing them because Morocco does not have local resources of coal or gas.

Although GH₂ exports via 5.9 GW of PEM electrolysers have a projected potential of USD 17.7 billion by 2050, this potentially lucrative avenue needs to be put in perspective, as it is 7% more expensive than the LC scenario. In fact, before subtracting the revenues from the fixed cost, the EXP scenario was USD 3.5 billion more expensive than the LC by 2030, and USD 9.8 billion more expensive by 2050, because of the high capital costs associated with the GH₂ technologies and RE build-out.

3.2.3. Emissions

The substantial reductions in emissions in all the modelled scenarios except EXP revealed in Figure 18 are attributed to the globally diminishing costs of RE technologies, as well as Morocco’s important RE potential. It is also noted that the LC and LCS scenarios show the exact same path of emissions and amount to 163.348 Mt CO₂ in 2050.

The implications of this reduction trend render Morocco’s NDCs pragmatically achievable: compared with the costs mentioned previously, it is understood that a relatively modest increment of 1.3% in investments facilitates a 23.34% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2050. The NDCS scenario shows a 19.59% reduction. Contrastingly, the emission trajectories manifested in the EXP scenarios evidence total emissions that would be 39.52% higher than the LC, at 60.032 Mt CO₂, in 2050. This is primarily explained by the model’s predilection for exporting green electricity as hydrogen, whilst using highly polluting coal, gas, and biomass resources for local production. The NDCS scenario shows a 3.73% smaller emission decrease when compared to the NDC scenario, as the slow build-out of expensive GH₂ storage technologies forces the model to use imported fossil fuels in the meantime, as shown by the drop in 2030 (when it stops importing coal). However, they both emit 14.250 Mt CO₂ in 2050 because of the emission limit set on the model.

Furthermore, a comparison with the baseline scenario used in the official NDC document [22] uncovers a resonance with the findings. Maintaining the premise that the electricity sector constitutes 22% of total emissions, the baseline scenario registers emissions at 31,316 kg CO₂, a figure that is similar to the LC emissions in 2030, recorded at 29,595 kg CO₂. This displays the accuracy of the modelling conducted in this study.

4. Discussion

4.1. Implications for Morocco’s NDC Goals

This study’s findings indicate that Morocco’s LC scenario falls short on achieving its 2030 NDC targets, despite 68% of its total electricity generation coming from RESs by 2050. However, the “emission gap” of 194.292 Mt CO₂ between the LC and NDC scenario between 2015 and 2050 can be closed through a “small” additional investment of USD 375 million. Moreover, despite not planning any new coal plant construction, Morocco is projected to still rely on existing ones in 2050 in all the modelled scenarios due to their low prices and previous extensions of these facilities.

Identified challenge: Morocco still uses existing coal plants by 2050 in all modelled scenarios. This leads to higher emissions and lessened energy security because of a dependence on exports.

Policy recommendation 1: Replace the existing “No New Coal” pledge for a “No Coal by 2030” pledge. This means early decommissioning of existing coal plants. This policy also allows for redirecting coal subsidy funding to wind and solar subsidies.

Consequences: Quicker wind and solar buildout leading to emission reductions. Decreased reliance on fossil fuel exports, including volatile prices. Will allow Morocco to reach the additional budget required to reach NDC targets, USD 375 million, and reduce the need for international funding. Increased possibility of producing green hydrogen.

4.2. Implications for Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap

The current Green Hydrogen Roadmap’s (GHR’s) target of 57.4 GW of purely RE energies being used to feed into 14 GW of electrolysers by 2050 is striking when compared to the total RE capacity of around 28 GW in the modelled LC scenario for that year. This means that Morocco not only has to multiply its installed RE capacity 10-fold by 2050, but also that two-thirds of it will be used for green hydrogen exports. Moreover, the increased emissions due to coal and gas imports lead to the conclusion that Morocco is not ready to fully fund the published GHR objectives whilst decarbonising.

Identified challenge: The Green Hydrogen Roadmap could be too ambitious and can therefore lead to industry bottlenecks and detract government funding from the RE deployment priority to green hydrogen technologies.

Policy recommendation 2: It is recommended to delay the Roadmap’s ambitions and lower the scope of its objectives. In the meantime, continue using green hydrogen in already started projects but focus on investing in RE rather than expanding GH2 to other sectors such as exports and storage. Some aspects to be included in the new GHR are as follows: The enhancement of Financial Support Mechanisms to attract international funding for the electrolyser build-out for export purposes. The diversification of storage technologies.

4.2.1. Enhance Financial Support Mechanisms to Attract International Funding for the Electrolyser Build-Out for Export Purposes

The results of this analysis have shown that it is more economical for Morocco to export GH₂ than to use it for local storage, under the condition of international private and public financing aid. In fact, the potentially lucrative economic avenue availed by GH₂ exports via PEM electrolysers, with projection results highlighting potential revenues of USD 17.7 billion by 2050 using 5.9 GW of electrolysers, needs to be put in perspective, as it is still an alternative that would be 7% more expensive than the LC scenario. The GH₂ and associated RE technologies are expected to cost an additional USD 9.8 billion by 2050. These costs should therefore be shared through Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the GH₂ importers or Independent Power Providers.

As the PAREMA agreements with Germany have started to demonstrate, cultivating these alliances can harness a more extensive array of knowledge and financial assets. Such collaborations enable joint research initiatives, technology transfer—especially as Germany is one of the leaders in electrolysis research—and infrastructure investment. Public–Private Partnerships in Morocco have the potential to accelerate the GH₂ transition, as they have proven to be a successful model for the solar energy industry.

Simplifying application procedures for grants, increasing tax incentives such as tax relaxations and subsidies, and other financial support can drive GH2 deployment. A successful example to follow could be China’s Income Tax Preference Policy: electrolyser companies are exempt from paying corporate income tax in the first three years and then just half in the third to sixth year to drive investments in green hydrogen infrastructure projects. This would allow Morocco to attract international investors and help fund the USD 9.8-billion PEM electrolyser and RE projects by 2050 that are described in this analysis.

4.2.2. Diversify Electricity Storage Sources

Whilst batteries were not chosen by this OSeMOSYS model, it is recommended to pair green hydrogen tanks with other types of storage that are available in Morocco, such as pumped hydropower and CSP, to ensure a more resilient storage system.

Moreover, the strategic utilisation of underground storage capabilities, such as SOMAS facilities with potential storage of 200,000 tons, can further enhance efficiency. Co-locating these storage sites with PEM electrolysers fosters optimal synergy between storage and production. Evaluations of these opportunities, including considerations of standalone RE plants coupled with Mesozoic salt deposits for storage, can lead to a more resilient and adaptive GH₂ infrastructure. This opportunity for inter-seasonal storage could manifest as one of the main advantages of GH₂, as well as decreasing the costs of transmission and of the inputs of the tanks in the model. However, this diversification could also lead to grid management complications and needs to be researched further.

4.3. Limitations and Opportunities for Further Research

This study is subject to several notable data limitations that may impact the accuracy and comprehensiveness of its findings. Firstly, the extrapolation of storage technology costs between the years of 2023, 2030, and 2040 as a linear progression assumes a consistent rate of change, which may not necessarily reflect the dynamic nature of technological advancements, learning curves, and market trends. Further investigation into the cost curves for various storage technologies is therefore recommended. When possible, Morocco-specific techno-economic parameters were selected, but the costs of transmission of GH₂ may be underestimated. Moreover, the exclusion of hybrid or integrated systems that combine various storage technologies may limit the study’s applicability to real-world scenarios, where standalone storage solutions may not be the sole approach adopted. Another limitation stems from the time slices used, resulting in limited granularity. The study’s choice of eight time slices might not capture the intricacies of real-world energy demand fluctuations adequately. Consequently, this could result in inaccurate inputs for storage duration and potentially underestimate the capabilities of GH₂ technologies. Unlike BESS, which can store energy for a maximum of 8 h, GH₂ offers an inter-seasonal storage capability, providing enhanced flexibility [10]. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the inefficiencies associated with GH₂ production and storage processes. These efficiencies need to be considered when determining discharging rates within OSeMOSYS models for future investigations [47].

Considering these limitations, several avenues for further research emerge:

• Flexibility analysis: Future studies should explore the potential for introducing more renewable capacity using to storage technologies, considering the associated costs and benefits. This could lead to the LCS scenario being prioritised. Employing FlexTool is advised to accomplish this task.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: As water scarcity remains one of the most pressing concerns in Morocco’s context, conducting an EIA that is specifically focused on PEM electrolysers and fuel cells would contribute towards sustainable solutions. Such analysis using CLEWs is recommended.
• Sector Coupling considerations: This involves integrating multiple sectors in energy systems, including electricity generation industries such as the fertiliser industry, which represents a great hope for Morocco’s GH₂ deployment but is out of the scope of this paper.

5. Conclusions

This literature review has highlighted a clear research gap: there is limited analysis of Morocco’s approach to green hydrogen deployment and whether its energy sector is prepared, especially when analysed using the energy trilemma framework, and this study was designed to address this gap.

Utilising OSeMOSYS for energy modelling, the study updated existing models for the LC and NDC base scenarios, while also introducing storage and export considerations for the Green Hydrogen Scenarios (LCS, NDCS, and EXP). Through these models, the study juxtaposed costs, emissions, imports, and energy mixes, shedding light on the inherent constraints in Morocco’s green hydrogen ambitions.

The findings revealed that the current trajectory laid out in the Green Hydrogen Roadmap is not harmonised with the existing energy infrastructure in Morocco. If pursued aggressively, there is a risk of increased fossil fuel imports during the critical phase of electrolysers and renewable infrastructure buildout, leading to surging costs. Particularly telling was the result from the NDCS scenario: utilising green hydrogen for storage caused a 34% jump in costs, showcasing that exports using equivalent electrolyser capacity were 28% cheaper. These green hydrogen imports could also lead to a 3.73% smaller emission reduction. This underscores the pressing need for a recalibration of the Green Hydrogen Roadmap, accounting for environmental monitoring and diversified storage solutions. Conversely, the promise of the green hydrogen market in Morocco was evident from the EXP scenario, with projected revenues approximating USD 17.7 billion by 2050. Such potential underscores the merit in attracting international funding, to not only bolster Morocco’s economic ascent but also to further wider decarbonisation objectives.

Further, this study emphasises the imperative for Morocco to prioritise decarbonisation via an enhanced commitment to renewable energy deployment—the NDC scenario demonstrated that with a 1.3% cost increment, emissions could be curtailed by 23.32%. However, the persisting reliance on coal imports across all modelled scenarios underscores the urgency of amplifying wind and solar ventures. A policy shift, such as reallocating coal subsidies to bolster wind and solar projects, emerges as a strategic move. Such a pivot to REs can concurrently pave the way for green hydrogen deployment, aligning with the tenets of the energy trilemma.