By Anders Lorenzen

Ahead of next week’s UN COP29 climate summit, which will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, one of the largest companies in Morocco, has shown clear intent and ambition. The OCP Group has agreed on an essential renewable energy and infrastructure deal with the French energy giant Engie.

The North African country’s phosphates and fertilizer giant signed a preliminary agreement with the French company this week. The agreement could yield investments of up to €17 billion in desalination, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. 

The partnership between the two companies and countries was sealed during French President Emmanuel Macron‘s visit to the influential Moroccan city of Rabat, where several business agreements were signed to improve political ties between the two countries.

Four projects

The joint development agreement covers research and innovation across four projects: 1) renewable energy production with flexible power storage, 2) green ammonia production, 3) infrastructure to connect the electricity to OCP sites, and 4) a water desalination plant for agricultural use in regions where OCP operates. 

Additionally, feasibility studies will be conducted to explore the possibilities for producing green hydrogen, e-methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Commenting on the agreement, Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of the OCP Group, added: “This partnership marks a new stage in our shared commitment to strengthening food sovereignty and accelerating Africa’s energy transition. Together, we are implementing innovative solutions that will benefit both agricultural producers and industrial players while meeting sustainability objectives.”

Catherine MacGregor, CEO of ENGIE, added, “This partnership with OCP Group reflects a shared vision of energy transition, with an integrated and diversified approach to technological solutions. Together, we will drive the development of low-carbon energy solutions while strengthening Morocco’s industrial ecosystem.”

Engie expects the renewable energy projects to materialise in 2026, while the desalination and green hydrogen projects are forecast for 2028 and 2032, respectively.

OCP aims to invest $13 billion between 2023 and 2027 to rely entirely on renewable energy for its industrial processes and desalinated water. By 2040, it aims to be fully carbon neutral.

In relation to this, Morocco is also looking at setting up an export hub in Rabat for renewable fuels for the EU.