The Southern Mediterranean region has achieved a historic milestone in renewable energy innovation.

Morocco  with Tarfaya Project developed by HydroJeel,on behalf of OCP Group has successfully completed the first pre-certification of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) framework. This landmark achievement, spearheaded by the MED-GEM Network, marks a crucial step in aligning the region’s energy markets with EU sustainability goals and advancing the global green energy transition.

Two expert consultancies, Hinicio and CertifHy, played a pivotal role in this success. Under the leadership of Bernhard Van Haersma Buma, regulatory expert at Hinicio, and Matthieu Boisson, Managing Director of CertifHy, these organizations provided critical expertise to guide Morocco’s certification process. Their efforts ensured Morocco met the rigorous requirements of the EU framework and created a replicable model for the region.

The Importance of Pre-Certification

Pre-certification aligns project designs with EU compliance requirements from the earliest stages, providing numerous benefits:

• De-Risking for Investors: Early validation of compliance reduces uncertainty and attracts international investment.
• Market Readiness: Ensures seamless entry into the european market for Moroccan hydrogen.

• Replicability: Establishes a blueprint for renewable energy projects in the region and globally.

   

The Tarfaya Project: A Green Hydrogen Flagship

Located in the wind-rich southern region of Morocco, the Tarfaya Project has emerged as a trailblazer in green hydrogen innovation. Developed by HydroJeel, a business of INNOVX, and a Moroccan leader dedicated to green hydrogen and green ammonia solutions and building integrated production ecosystems that support industrial decarbonization, the project integrates cutting-edge technology and local expertise to produce green ammonia for domestic use and export to Europe. This addresses the EU’s growing demand for renewable energy sources and cements Morocco’s strategic role in the global energy transition.

What sets the Tarfaya Project apart is its pioneering approach to pre-certification guided by Hinicio’s expertise in hydrogen regulations and certification processes, the project successfully demonstrated compliance with the EU’s stringent RED framework by meeting several critical criteria:

• Renewable Energy Integration: Exclusively powered by wind and solar energy, ensuring a fully renewable electricity supply.
• GHG Emissions Reduction: Achieved an impressively low carbon footprint far surpassing EU thresholds.
• Technological Innovation: Employed smart metering and advanced data systems for enhanced transparency and traceability.

The Tarfaya Project developed by HydroJeel on behalf of OCP group, not only establishes Morocco as a model for green hydrogen production but also positions the country as a strategic partner for Europe’s energy transition.

The Istanbul Workshop: A Catalyst for Progress

The Certification Pilot Training Workshop, held in Istanbul on December 19, 2024, was instrumental in achieving this milestone. Organized by the MED-GEM Network, the workshop brought together international experts, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss RFNBO certification's regulatory and technical complexities.

Highlights of the workshop included:

• Detailed insights into the EU RED framework, focusing on renewability, additionally, geographical and temporal correlation, and GHG emissions reduction.
• Practical discussions contextualized through the Tarfaya Project, which served as a case study for adapting EU standards to the Southern Mediterranean energy landscape.

Led by experts like Bernhard Van Haersma Buma, the workshop underscored the importance of pre-certification in aligning local projects with international standards while addressing region-specific challenges.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Success

This groundbreaking achievement was made possible through strategic collaborations:

• MED-GEM Network: Facilitated knowledge-sharing and strategic guidance between Moroccan and European stakeholders.
• HydroJeel : Demonstrated Morocco’s leadership in green hydrogen technology as the developer of the Tarfaya Project.
• Hinicio: Provided regulatory and certification expertise to navigate EU standards.

• CertifHy: Europe’s leading hydrogen certification scheme ensured the project’s compliance with international benchmarks.

   

A Regional First with Global Implications

Morocco’s success in completing RFNBO pre-certification under EU standards is a pioneering achievement for the Southern Mediterranean. This milestone sets a precedent for neighboring nations, such as Tunisia and Egypt, to align their renewable energy projects with international sustainability goals.

The Tarfaya Project’s success also underscores Morocco’s strategic importance as a renewable energy bridge between Africa and Europe. By leveraging abundant renewable energy resources and aligning with EU standards, Morocco is positioning itself as a key supplier of green hydrogen to European markets.

Developed by HydroJeel on behalf of OCP Group, the Tarfaya Project aims to produce 1 MTpa of green ammonia by 2027. As a cornerstone of OCP Group’s broader Green Ammonia Program, the project’s objective  is to scale up production to 3 MTpa   by 2032, accelerating the transition to low-carbon fertilizer solutions.

Ammonia is a critical component of global food production, yet its conventional manufacturing process is highly carbon-intensive. The Tarfaya Project’s directly addresses this challenge by implementing renewable-powered water electrolysis to generate green hydrogen as a feedstock for ammonia synthesis, substantially cutting emissions from traditional fossil-based routes  , reinforcing OCP Group’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and industrial decarbonization. By leveraging abundant renewable resources, UM6P’s cutting-edge R&D capabilities, and OCP Group’s strong production expertise, HydroJeel is laying the foundation for large-scale, cost-competitive green hydrogen production through this flagship project.

A Vision for the Future

The pre-certification of the Tarfaya Project opens new opportunities for green hydrogen development across the region. The MED-GEM Network is already planning a second call for projects to support additional pre-certification initiatives. Neighboring countries are poised to replicate Morocco’s success, creating a robust ecosystem for renewable energy innovation.

This achievement is not just a milestone for the region but a beacon for the global renewable energy community, demonstrating that strategic partnerships, innovation, and rigorous planning can drive economic growth while meeting the world’s most stringent sustainability standards.