Echoing the opening pragmatic address from Dr Leila Benali, Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Commerce, admitted to feeling “lost” with the often confusing claims surrounding hydrogen forecasts, before advocating a more pragmatic approach to generate growth.

“We are still asking a lot of questions. The next rule is ‘just be competitive – then let’s make it green’. You just need to be the best, and that will give you energy without counting on anyone else,” said Minister Mezzour.

Over the last year, he said he had seen more than 40 projects, 100 investors and up to 60 potential offtakers.

“They came to the same conclusion – you need to have the best product at the best price, then we’ll see where it fits in terms of categorisation,” he said.

The Moroccan Government approved six hydrogen-based projects worth $32.7bn located in the country’s southern regions in March. But even with its plentiful natural resources, the north African country faces challenges with investment and offtake that are prevalent in many markets; indeed, over at European Hydrogen Week today there was a sense of a crunch point looming which could dent Morocco’s export aspirations.

In a final day one session on regulation and certification, it was the panellists’ turn to challenge policymakers.

Tomas Olejniczak, Renewable Energy Consultant at RVO – Netherlands Enterprise Agency, underlined the importance of stability. “What we see is that if the framework is clear and stable, then in the end, that will get capital flowing.”

Jonas Moberg, CEO of the Green Hydrogen Organisation, took to his feet on stage to impress the sense of urgency.

“Let’s face it, [investment in Morocco] is happening way too slowly, and there are certain issues on the government side that just have to happen with greater predictability.

“The International Maritime Organization said the amount of green ammonia traded will be 240 million tonnes – of which 200 million will be for shipping. Morocco did not vote on the net zero regulations for global shipping that the IMO made in April but it can sort that out in October.”