The Moroccan Competition Council has approved a groundbreaking joint venture between OCP Green Energy SA, a subsidiary of Moroccan phosphate giant OCP Group, and Fortescue, an Australian company renowned for its green energy production. This collaboration aims to establish large-scale integrated facilities for producing green hydrogen and ammonia in Morocco.
Confirmed during the Council’s latest meeting on July 24, the joint venture will develop four major projects across Morocco, focusing on the large-scale production of green ammonia and fertilizers. These projects will involve renewable energy generation, electrolysis, and ammonification processes, supporting the global shift towards carbon-neutral solutions and sustainable agriculture.
A key component of this collaboration is the creation of a Research & Development and Technology Hub near the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir. This hub will drive advancements in renewable energies, green hydrogen, and mineral processing, fostering innovation through collaboration with corporate venture capital funds.
The formal agreement, signed in April by Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of the OCP Group, and Andrew Forrest, Executive Chairman and Founder of Fortescue, marks a significant milestone in sustainable energy development. "Our strategic partnership with Fortescue demonstrates our joint commitment to decarbonisation, developing cutting-edge facilities, and delivering competitive renewable energy products and technology,” stated Terrab.
Mark Hutchinson, CEO of Fortescue Energy, emphasized the broader impact of the venture. “This partnership is a significant moment for Fortescue, OCP Group, and Morocco as we revolutionize global energy production and diversify future energy security while creating thousands of jobs in Morocco,” he said.
This joint venture is a key element of OCP Group’s $13 billion Green Investment Program, which aims to increase fertilizer production capacity while achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The program includes substantial investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power production processes and promote environmental sustainability.
The collaboration between OCP and Fortescue represents a major advancement in the global transition to sustainable energy and agricultural practices, setting a precedent for future green energy projects worldwide.
