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.

 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.

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.“