Italy is showing growing interest in strengthened energy cooperation with Morocco, through strategic projects which should take their partnership to a new dimension. After Paris and London, it is Rome’s turn to position itself as Morocco’s preferred energy partner. On the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), held in Nice, Italian officials initiated discussions with the Moroccan delegation, reflecting a common desire to intensify cooperation, particularly in the field of clean energy. An Italian delegation is expected in Morocco in July to take stock of current projects and lay the foundations of a new collaboration framework. This rapprochement is also part of the prospect of an official visit by the President of the Italian Council, Giorgia Meloni, the date of which remains to be defined. This connection is not new. In January 2024, the “Italy-Africa: A bridge for common growth” summit, organized in Rome, had already marked an important milestone. Representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, met Ms. Meloni to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations described as exceptional. The exchange highlighted the common desire to expand cooperation in key sectors, notably renewable energies. Ms. Meloni praised the quality of ties between the two countries, stressing that Italy sees Morocco as a strategic partner for its new vision of cooperation with Africa. She also expressed her appreciation of the Kingdom’s role in the “Rome Process”. During this exchange, an official invitation to visit Morocco was sent to her, which she accepted, with the prospect of an economic forum on the sidelines of the visit. Green hydrogen, a key vector of cooperation In recent months, emphasis has been placed on the development of projects linked to green hydrogen. Italian MP Debora Serracchiani revealed that her motion relating to the “Mattei Plan” — aimed at establishing logistics between Morocco and the port of Trieste — was adopted. According to her, Morocco is positioning itself as a major player in the Mediterranean in this area, attracting investments from countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. For Italy, this is an opportunity to strengthen its trade with Morocco, in particular through the development of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia port logistics corridor. Italy is also part of a green corridor project involving Croatia and Slovenia. A feasibility study is underway to connect Morocco to Italy via a corridor dedicated to green hydrogen, via Trieste. This dynamic echoes the Moroccan national strategy. On March 11, 2024, the Moroccan government published a circular relating to the implementation of the “Morocco Offer” in terms of green hydrogen, in application of the High Royal Directives. This program aims to promote the Kingdom’s geographical, natural and infrastructural assets to attract global investments. To date, six projects have been entrusted to five national and international consortia, for a total amount of 319 billion dirhams. Among them: The “ORNX” consortium (Ortus – USA, Acciona – Spain, Nordex – Germany) for the production of ammonia, A second group formed by “Taqa” (Emirates) and “Cepsa” (Spain), “Nareva” (Morocco) for projects linked to ammonia, industrial fuel and green steel, “ACWA Power” (Saudi Arabia), And the Chinese duo “UEG” and “China Three Gorges” for ammonia.
