The potential of green hydrogen in Morocco is the focus of the 13th edition of the Round Tables of Arbois and the Mediterranean, a platform for direct exchanges between scientists and the general public, which kicked off on May 3, in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Organizers of this event said in a statement that this year’s edition, organized by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in collaboration with the University of Aix-Marseille and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), highlights the development of new sources of renewable energies, primarily green hydrogen.
The organizers also added that this year’s edition, held under the theme “Hydrogen Tomorrow: Myths & Realities,” explores the challenges and opportunities that green hydrogen represents in facing global warming, noting that the aim is to present a decarbonized energy model in Europe, Africa, and the world.
During this 13th edition, several senior officials will debate and suggest solutions around green hydrogen for the diversification of energy sources in Morocco and Africa.
“Dealing with the challenges and opportunities of green hydrogen is essential for a decarbonized future, stressing that the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI allows Morocco to become a driving force in the strategy of the diversification of energy sources,” stated the President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Hicham El Habti.
El Habti said that these issues will be presented to the general public during this edition of the Round Tables of Arbois and the Mediterranean, adding that “this scientific event aims to offer the general public an opportunity to learn more about new major discoveries.”
For his part, the founder of the Round Tables of Arbois and the Mediterranean, Daniel Nahon, emphasized that “the planet’s future depends on finding energy sources that respect the common good,” adding that “if green hydrogen raises questions, we must seize the opportunity to build a clean and responsible energy future.”
“Falling within this framework, the discussions of this event’s scientific committee aim to address this issue and draft concrete recommendations to increase the production of renewable hydrogen in the world, particularly in Africa,” said Nahon.
The production of green hydrogen is based on the transformation of ammonia. As a leader in this field, Morocco produces around 1 million tons of ammonia per year, part of which can be transformed into green hydrogen. In the medium term, it will be used to produce synthetic fuels based on green hydrogen, such as kerosene, methanol, and synthetic diesel.
According to the organizers’ statement, this method will enable the production of 50 million tons of green hydrogen per year by 2035. This method is particularly suitable for countries with abundant natural gas and solar energy resources.
The statement further stressed that in Morocco, OCP Group is at the forefront of a green revolution in Africa through the promotion of soil-friendly agriculture and the development of new sources of renewable energy.
The Round Tables of Arbois is an annual international multidisciplinary conference combining exact science, human and social sciences, and new technologies. Every year, researchers and experts propose a new theme to debate and pedagogically inform, popularize, and explain the discoveries that change the daily lives of people and help advance science.