As the Power-to-X Summit™ prepares for its most ambitious fourth edition, set for October 8th to 9th, 2024, in Marrakech, the event will also host on October 9th the final of a GH2 Morocco Hackathon co-organized by IRESEN, the MED-GEM Network and GIZ Morocco. This event gathers innovative minds to address the challenges of renewable energy and green hydrogen, underscoring the region's dedication to sustainable energy solutions. In anticipation of the summit, the MED-GEM Network is pleased to share an exclusive interview with Samir Rachidi, General Director of IRESEN, conducted during the inaugural Green Hydrogen Camp last July. In this inspiring conversation, Rachidi reveals Morocco's bold strategy for leading the green hydrogen revolution in Africa and beyond, highlighting the crucial role this emerging sector will play in the region's energy transition.

🎬 Watch the interview
🎬 Watch the Hackathon after-movie

The Green Hydrogen Camp: A First for Africa

Morocco hosted last summer the inaugural Green Hydrogen Camp at the Green Smart Building Park, marking a key milestone in Africa's sustainable energy journey. Organized in collaboration with IRESEN, and supported by the MED-GEM Network and GIZ Morocco, the camp brought together 40 PhD and Master’s students. During the hackathon, participants tackled the challenge of developing a national vision for green ammonia, with three finalist teams selected for further mentorship. These teams will present their refined projects at the "World PtX Summit" in October, underscoring Morocco’s leadership in the green hydrogen revolution.

"This camp is part of our ongoing mission to develop qualified human capital that will drive the energy transition and the broader revolution of sustainable development", said Samir Rachidi, General Director of IRESEN.

M. Rachidi emphasized that while infrastructure, investment, and regulation are critical, the most crucial element in the energy transition is human capital. The Green Hydrogen Camp is designed to address this need by fostering a new generation of innovators and leaders in the field.

International Collaborations: The Key to Success

Morocco's green hydrogen ambitions are bolstered by a series of strategic international collaborations, particularly with the European Union and its member states. These partnerships are vital for advancing research and development in green hydrogen technologies.

"Our collaboration with countries like Germany, France, and Spain has been instrumental," Rachidi explained. "These partnerships allow us to validate and update technologies for the local context, while also reducing the risks associated with future investments."

Germany, in particular, has played a pivotal role in supporting IRESEN from its inception. Rachidi highlighted the creation of a dedicated green hydrogen technology platform in El Jadida, developed in collaboration with German partners. This platform will serve as a testing ground for green hydrogen technologies, tailored to the specific needs and conditions of Morocco and the wider region.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Morocco looks to the future, the biggest challenge lies in operationalizing its green hydrogen technology platform by early 2025. This platform will be a hub for pilot projects, including small-scale green ammonia production and green methanol development. It will also explore new technologies such as direct air capture of CO2.

"We are building a technological playground where developers, EPCs, and technology providers from around the world can come together to innovate", M. Rachidi said. "Our goal is to build capacity and expertise that will not only benefit Morocco but also set an example for the region."

M. Rachidi also acknowledged the importance of international collaboration in achieving these goals. The MED-GEM Network, funded by the European Union, will play a critical role in bringing together expertise from across Europe and beyond to support these initiatives.

A Message from the Top: Encouraging Innovation

The Green Hydrogen Camp concluded with a message from Dr. Benali, Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. She announced a Green Hydrogen Hackathon challenge, urging participants to develop comprehensive plans for large-scale green ammonia deployment in Morocco. The winners will be honored at the upcoming World Power to X (PTX) Summit in Marrakech this October.

"This is more than just a challenge; it's an opportunity to make a real impact on Morocco's energy future", M. Rachidi remarked. "We are excited to see the innovative solutions that will come from this hackathon and how they will contribute to our broader goals."

The World Power to X Summit: Shaping the Future of Green Hydrogen

Looking ahead, the Power-to-X Summit™ is set to be a key event on the global energy calendar. Now in its fourth edition, the summit will bring together stakeholders from across the green hydrogen value chain to discuss policy, regulation, technology, and infrastructure. It will also feature a scientific and technical program dedicated to the upscaling of green hydrogen technologies.

"We want the Power-to-X Summit™ to become a major platform for showcasing green hydrogen technology at scale,"  he said. "In the future, we plan to expand this event to other countries in the region, such as Tunisia and Mauritania, to further strengthen our collective efforts."

As Morocco continues to position itself at the forefront of the green hydrogen movement, it is clear that the nation's commitment to international collaboration, innovation, and human capital development will be key drivers of its success. Samir Rachidi’s vision for a green future is not only ambitious but also deeply rooted in the belief that Morocco can and will lead the way in this global energy transition.