Co-organised by IRESEN, the MED-GEM Network, and GIZ Morocco, the first edition of the Green Hydrogen Morocco Camp kicked off the 1st of July at the Green Energy Park in Benguerir. From July 1 to 6, the event gathers 40 participants selected from 300 applicants.

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These participants, mostly young Moroccan engineers and Master’s or PhD researchers, among whom more than 60% are women, will delve into topics such as green hydrogen production, PtX products, regulatory frameworks, industrial standards, industrial projects, financing models, and investment attraction, through case studies led by renowned experts.

The final day will feature a hackathon where participants can apply their theoretical knowledge to propose innovative solutions for the renewable hydrogen market in Morocco and take action. The top three projects will receive mentorship to refine their solutions over the summer and present their final projects at the "World PtX Summit" in Marrakech on October 8-9, 2024 and the winning team will earn a study trip to Europe.

The opening ceremony featured inspiring speeches and a shared vision for excellence, equity and sustainability.

Samir Rachidi, General Director of IRESEN, emphasised the importance of curiosity and innovation for researchers. He highlighted the Green Park’s role as a large-scale technology validation platform, providing opportunities for technology developers and suppliers to mitigate investment risks and develop new businesses and services.

Jean Christophe Filori, Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Morocco, reminded the EU-Morocco cooperation on green hydrogen through the “Green Pact,” stressing its importance for decarbonizing energy systems and achieving EU climate goals while enhancing economic opportunities and trade relations. 

Omnia Aboukorah-Voigt, Director of the Energy and Sustainable Energy Cluster at GIZ Morocco, highlighted international collaboration, particularly between Germany and Morocco, and announced recent bilateral agreements to support innovative projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Frank Wouters, Director of MED-GEM Network, provided a European perspective, encouraging joint efforts to establish a long-term vision for clean energy in Europe and North Africa, and urged young researchers to take concrete steps towards this vision, emphasising cross-border collaboration.

Educational, Innovative, and Collaborative Objectives

The event aims to equip participants with the latest knowledge and skills in green hydrogen technologies, showcasing Moroccan talent and EU-Morocco cooperation. The Green Hydrogen Camp, through the Summer School and Hackathon, promises to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in clean energy, with tangible impacts on the sector in Morocco and beyond. The opening ceremony highlighted the importance of curiosity, innovation, and international collaboration for sustainable development, encouraging participants to actively engage in sessions and explore new frontiers in green hydrogen.