Laâyoune power plant in Morocco to be decarbonised

The Laâyoune power plant in Morocco is set to be decarbonised. GE Vernova’s Gas Power business, the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), and Nareva in Morocco sealed MOU that aims at utilizing green hydrogen to power GE Vernova’s 6B gas turbines.

This initiative aligns with Morocco’s energy transition goals and its aim to increase renewable electricity capacity to 52% by 2030. Under the MOU, a feasibility studies will be conducted to convert the Laâyoune Thermal Power Plant from heavy oil fuel to hydrogen, with a focus on converting one gas turbine to run on 100% hydrogen.

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Energy transition

The study, expected to be completed in two years, will evaluate the techno-economic aspects of the conversion and explore an integrated solution for hydrogen production and delivery to the gas turbine.

The project also highlights the potential of combining renewable energy sources like wind and solar with efficient gas-fired combustion technologies to provide flexible, efficient, and less carbon-intensive power plants. GE Vernova’s expertise in gas turbines and renewable energy solutions, along with Nareva’s experience in renewable power, will contribute to advancing Morocco’s energy goals and the competitive decarbonization of the continent.

Morocco’s interest in hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels is growing, particularly in regions like Laayoune, which are experiencing rapid development in renewable energy projects. The collaboration represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions associated with power generation activities.