Morocco has officially confirmed its entry into the international liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, announced the news in a statement on Monday 14 March at the 15th edition of the Energy Forum in Rabat. According to her, gas is a non-negotiable pillar in Morocco’s energy strategy
The Kingdom of Morocco is preparing to enter the international liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets. Thus from the month of Ramadan (April), according to the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the kingdom will start importing liquefied natural gas (LNG). And this is taking into account the infrastructure that it already has. Indeed, with regard to infrastructures, the minister referred to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline which is connected to Spain. It should be noted that this pipeline has not been in service since last October, when the contract allowing Algeria to transit through it ended.
The importance for Morocco of importing liquefied gas
Importing LNG will allow Morocco to take another step forward in its climate actions. Indeed, LNG will essentially contribute to reducing toxic gas emissions. In this perspective, Leila Benali suggested that “Natural gas is a low-carbon transition source, it can be used in a variety of sectors and is a key enabler for the development of renewable energy on a larger scale. It provides flexibility and makes a major contribution alongside renewables to the decarbonisation of our industries.
In addition, the kingdom is preparing for the repercussions of the Ukraine war in Africa. For concerns about gas supply are very much at the centre of global concerns. Thus, while the price of energy is becoming increasingly high on the international market, Morocco, which is exclusively an importing country, is working to ensure and guarantee its energy security. “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and also for original thinking that is out of the ordinary. Extraordinary times also create extraordinary opportunities and in Morocco we know this,” she said.
Projects to support the vision
To achieve its objectives, the Kingdom of Morocco plans to build a gas storage and transport system to link the source to the consumption areas. “We will prepare not one, not two, but up to four ports to receive LNG. I don’t see why we shouldn’t take advantage of our 3,500 kilometres of coastline,” said the minister. Thus, these projects will cover 20% of Morocco’s energy needs, with all the impact they should also have on the creation of new jobs. A vision which will help to better prevent a possible energy crisis. Moreover, it should be recalled that this is the first time the Kingdom intends to join the energy market.
